but practically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but practically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or qualification to a previous statement, often implying that while something may not be true in theory, it holds true in a practical sense. Example: "The plan seems perfect on paper, but practically, it may face several challenges during implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In practice, that sounds very cool, but practically speaking, I found little use for it.

TechCrunch

That is theoretically possible, but practically hard.

The Economist

But practically, it affects jurors' reactions.

The New Yorker

But practically, it's fraught with problems".

The New York Times

They were intellectually interesting but practically ridiculous'".

Independent

But practically these drivers are Europeans.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not only is it quiet, but practically dust free.

The New York Times

But, practically, that precedence doesn't count for much.

The New Yorker

"But practically overnight – this was 1967 – the pound was devalued.

The Guardian - Books

The nightclub, Whiskey Blue, was open but practically empty.

The New York Times - Travel

"But practically, this is an experience I need.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but practically" to introduce a realistic viewpoint after presenting a theoretical or ideal situation. It helps to ground discussions and provide a balanced perspective.

Common error

While "but practically" is widely acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal writing or conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but really" or "actually" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but practically" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, serving to introduce a qualification or contrast to a preceding statement. It commonly highlights a divergence between a theoretical concept and its real-world application, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but practically" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrast between theoretical possibilities and practical realities. It functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, signaling a shift in perspective towards real-world implications. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news media and scientific writing, while being also acceptable in formal business contexts. The phrase enjoys broad applicability and acceptance. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "but really" in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically speaking

Highlights the practical considerations and implications of a situation, similar to the original phrase.

however, in practice

Directly contrasts a theoretical idea with its application in the real world.

for all practical purposes

Indicates that the following statement is true in almost every relevant situation.

in reality

Emphasizes the actual state of affairs, often implying a difference from expectations.

on a practical level

Indicates a shift to discussing the real-world implications.

in practical terms

Focuses on the practical aspect, omitting the contrasting element.

in the real world

Focuses solely on the actual situation, without an explicit contrast.

from a practical standpoint

Highlights a perspective based on real-world considerations.

as a matter of practicality

Emphasizes that the following statement is grounded in practical concerns.

when it comes down to it

Introduces the most important practical consideration or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "but practically" in a sentence?

Use "but practically" to contrast a theoretical idea with its real-world application, such as, "The plan looks great on paper, "but practically", it may be difficult to implement".

What are some alternatives to "but practically"?

You can use alternatives like "in reality", "practically speaking", or "in practice" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "but practically" and "practically speaking"?

"But practically" introduces a contrast with a preceding statement, while "practically speaking" emphasizes the practical considerations of a situation. They are similar, but "but practically" is more explicitly contrastive.

When is it appropriate to use "but practically"?

It's appropriate to use "but practically" when you want to acknowledge a theoretical possibility or plan, "but practically", highlight the challenges or limitations in implementing it in the real world.