in a practical sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a practical sense" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something in a practical way, as opposed to a theoretical way. For example, "In a practical sense, this new technique will be quicker and easier for our staff to learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But how about in a practical sense?

The New Yorker

In a practical sense, Marbury was right.

The New York Times - Sports

What does this look like in a practical sense?

Harvard Business Review

So what does this actually mean in a practical sense?

The Guardian - Opinion

What does that mean in a practical sense?

Cornell University

"In a practical sense I was just trying to make friends," she said.

The New York Times

In a practical sense, drill consolidates soldiers into battle formations and familiarizes them with their weapons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If it wins, in a practical sense we would have federally recognized same-sex marriage.

The New Yorker

In a practical sense, it was indeed much easier for women to get away with shoplifting.

The New Yorker

The symmetry (in a practical sense) of slow flow over symmetrical lattice channel arrangements is demonstrated.

Chemical Engineering Science

This is playing out in a PR sense and in a practical sense.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a practical sense" to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and their tangible implications, ensuring your writing resonates with real-world applications.

Common error

Avoid using "in a practical sense" repetitively in close proximity. Opt for varied expressions like "practically speaking" or "in practice" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a practical sense" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate a focus on the practical implications or real-world applications of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a practical sense" serves to ground abstract ideas by emphasizing their real-world implications. As verified by Ludwig AI, this adverbial phrase enjoys widespread use, especially in news and academic contexts. When writing, ensure you use it to bridge theoretical concepts with tangible applications, but avoid overuse by occasionally choosing phrases like "practically speaking" or "in practice" for variation. Remember that it is correct and can be used in written english.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in practice

Directly contrasts theoretical ideas with real-world application.

practically speaking

Focuses directly on the practical aspects, omitting the broader "sense" of consideration.

realistically

Highlights what is achievable or likely in a real-world scenario.

from a pragmatic perspective

Emphasizes a practical, results-oriented viewpoint.

in reality

Highlights what actually happens, often contrasting with theory or expectation.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement of reality, often to correct a misunderstanding.

in operational terms

Focuses on how something works or is used in real-world scenarios.

functionally

Highlights the working or operating aspect of something.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is effectively the same as something else, despite technical differences.

down to earth

Emphasizes a realistic and practical approach.

FAQs

How can I use "in a practical sense" in a sentence?

You can use "in a practical sense" to explain the real-world implications of something. For example, "While the theory is complex, "in a practical sense" it means we can reduce energy consumption".

What's a good alternative to "in a practical sense"?

Alternatives to "in a practical sense" include "practically speaking", "in practice", or "from a pragmatic perspective".

Is it redundant to say "in a practical sense, practically speaking"?

Yes, using both "in a practical sense" and "practically speaking" together is redundant. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What is the difference between "in a practical sense" and "in theory"?

"In a practical sense" refers to the real-world application or implications of something, while "in theory" refers to an idealized or hypothetical situation. They are often used in contrast to one another.