if practical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if practical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something should be done only if it is feasible or reasonable to do so. Example: "Please provide feedback on the report, if practical, before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the meantime, the practicalities -- if practical is the word -- of fatherhood were taken up by Lady Caroline's third husband, the manic-depressive poet Robert Lowell, and her good friend Robert Silvers, a founder of The New York Review of Books.

The New York Times

After a regularly scheduled conference call among the athletic directors of the eight Ivy League schools, Columbia's athletic department released a statement saying that "as long as classes are being held, practices and competition may, if practical, proceed".

The New York Times - Sports

More frequent billing is desirable, if practical and consistent.

Yale University

Consider hand weeding or spot treatments if practical.

Cornell University

Thus, you should indeed ask permission to photograph someone -- before, if practical; after if you're going for something candid.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I am confident that if practical steps are taken, we will have a more positive framework," Mr. Khatami said.

The New York Times

Pervasive, mundane and bland, chicken is the magnolia paint of the meat aisle: a pedestrian, if practical, choice.

The Guardian - Books

Rare categories occur and must be learned if practical application of neural-network technology is to be achieved.

Stanford University

If practical, it would be better to plant a growing tree in the yard and decorate it for years, or skip greenery altogether, he said.

The New York Times - Science

Government sources said Darling was keen to explore the option for introducing a windfall tax if practical problems – such as defining what constitutes a bonus – could be overcome.

The Guardian

But if practical good does come from the research — say, a new drug — these communities should also have a way to share the benefits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if practical" to indicate that an action is only recommended if it is sensible and achievable given the circumstances. For example, "Submit the report early, if practical, to allow for revisions."

Common error

While "if practical" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem less decisive. Consider alternatives like "where feasible" or "as appropriate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if practical" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It introduces a condition under which the action described is advisable or should be performed. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Academia

22%

Science

46%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if practical" serves as a versatile conditional adverbial phrase, frequently used across diverse contexts to indicate that an action or recommendation should be considered and implemented only when feasible and sensible. As Ludwig confirms, its widespread usage underscores its grammatical correctness and general applicability. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, mindful consideration should be given to more formal alternatives like "where feasible" in contexts demanding heightened precision. As demonstrated by Ludwig, authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic institutions exemplify the phrase's appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if feasible

Replaces "practical" with a synonym indicating possibility or ease of accomplishment.

if possible

A more general alternative, focusing on whether something can be done.

to the extent practical

Specifies that something should be done as much as is reasonably possible.

where applicable

Suggests something should be done only in situations where it's relevant.

when appropriate

Similar to "where applicable" but emphasizes suitability for a specific context.

as far as is practical

Similar to "to the extent practical", emphasizing limits of feasibility.

if it can be done

A more verbose way of saying "if possible", stressing the action of doing.

where reasonable

Implies that action should be taken only if it's sensible and logical.

if circumstances allow

Highlights the role of external conditions in determining feasibility.

contingent on practicality

More formal, indicating that something depends on being practical.

FAQs

How to use "if practical" in a sentence?

Use "if practical" to add a condition of feasibility to a recommendation or instruction. For instance, "Please review the documents, "if practical", before the meeting."

What can I say instead of "if practical"?

You can use alternatives like "if feasible", "where applicable", or "when appropriate" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "if practical" or "when practical"?

"If practical" is generally used to express a conditional situation. "When practical" is less common but could be used to indicate a time-dependent condition. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "if practical" and "if possible"?

"If practical" implies that an action should only be taken if it's sensible and achievable, whereas "if possible" simply refers to whether something can be done, regardless of how easy or convenient it is.