however in practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"however in practice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are showing a contrast between something that is theoretically possible and what is actually done in practice. For example: In theory, it would be possible to eliminate hunger in the world; however in practice, the resources needed to do this are simply not available.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in practice these processes are expensive and complicated.

The Guardian

However in practice this boundary could well be more blurred.

The Guardian

However, in practice, this prerequisite is not always satisfied.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

However, in practice, this would be expensive and time consuming.

MIT Technology Review

However in practice this is difficult to achieve.

Nature

However, in practice, existing multiplexing approaches suffer from key limitations.

Princeton University

However, in practice, the distribution impacts of ecomarkets are uncertain.

The Economist

However in practice the plan has many obstacles to clear.

The Economist

However, in practice, aggregated costs are the decisive criterion.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

However, in practice, explosion risk often cannot be eliminated completely.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

However, in practice, achieving this potential is extremely difficult.

Journal of Structural Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "however in practice", follow it with a specific explanation of how the real-world scenario deviates from the theory to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "however in practice" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "in reality" or "the reality is" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however in practice" functions as an adversative conjunction phrase, introducing a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement. It indicates that the actual outcome or situation differs from what is expected or theoretically possible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "however in practice" serves as a crucial tool for contrasting theoretical concepts with their real-world applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the overall tone of your writing and choose alternatives if a more formal or informal expression is needed. To avoid redundancy, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "in reality" or "but actually". Using "however in practice" judiciously will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reality, however

Reorders the phrase to emphasize "in reality" first, adding slight emphasis.

the reality is, however

Introduces the contrast as a statement of reality.

in execution, however

Shifts focus to the actual execution or implementation.

yet, in the real world

Substitutes "practice" with "the real world" for a less formal tone.

pragmatically speaking, however

Highlights a pragmatic or practical perspective.

in actual fact, though

Uses "actual fact" for emphasis and "though" for a softer contrast.

on the ground, though

Emphasizes the practical, real-world aspect of the situation.

from a practical standpoint, though

Focuses on the practical aspects of the situation.

but actually

Simplifies the phrase to its core contrasting function.

when put into action, though

Focuses on the process of putting something into action.

FAQs

How can I use "however in practice" in a sentence?

You can use "however in practice" to contrast a theory with its real-world application. For example, "In theory, the plan seemed perfect; "however in practice", numerous unforeseen challenges arose."

What's a good alternative to "however in practice"?

Alternatives include "in reality", "but actually", or "the reality is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "however in practice" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "however in practice" is generally suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the surrounding language is also formal to maintain consistency. If in doubt, consider a more formal alternative like "nevertheless" or "nonetheless".

What is the difference between "in theory" and "however in practice"?

"In theory" introduces a concept or idea, while "however in practice" explains why that concept might not work as expected in the real world. They are often used together to create a contrast.