in a technical sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a technical sense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the meaning of a word or phrase being used is specific to a particular field or subject. For example, "In a technical sense, a 'portrait' is any representation of a person's face, not just a painting or photograph."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Of course, in a technical sense a multitasking machine is more advanced.

The New Yorker

In a technical sense he will have to transform the supply of the inputs of production.

The Economist

"I would have to believe the project was going badly, in a technical sense," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Watson's greatest challenge in a technical sense is maintaining accuracy; distance is never a problem.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not a legal question in a technical sense," Mr. Josephson said.

The New York Times

He told me: The current system is biased in a technical sense, not in a pejorative sense.

The Guardian

In a technical sense, this is true: the "assets" are government bonds held by another branch of the government.

The Economist

It was revolutionary only in a technical sense, being the first drug that women could take on their own, at any time, to separate sex from procreation.

The Economist

These campaigns draw lethal tools from similar sources and similar garage- or workshop-level labor, much of it resourceful, determined and, in a technical sense, talented.

The New York Times

In fact, Tarski himself showed that the notion of truth is not definable (in a technical sense) in such a system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is a revolutionary situation, in a technical sense," said Andrew Wilson, Ukraine expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a technical sense", ensure that the subsequent explanation or definition is accurate and aligns with the relevant field's standards.

Common error

Avoid using "in a technical sense" without explaining or clarifying the specific technical meaning you are referring to. Failing to do so can leave the reader confused or misinformed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a technical sense" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier, introducing a specific or precise meaning of a term or concept. It serves to narrow the scope of interpretation and ensures accuracy in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a technical sense" is a versatile tool for adding precision to language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains. This analysis highlights its function as a qualifier, its purpose in providing clarity, and its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. To use it effectively, provide a specific explanation following the phrase. This ensures your audience understands the intended technical meaning and prevents misinterpretations. By following best practices and understanding the context, writers can confidently employ this phrase to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in technical terms

Indicates the use of specific terminology.

according to the technical definition

Highlights reliance on an established technical meaning.

from a technical standpoint

Focuses on the perspective of a technical expert or field.

using a formal definition

Refers to a definition that is official, exact and widely recognized in technical circles.

in a strict interpretation

Emphasizes adherence to a precise or literal definition.

with technical precision

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness according to technical standards.

from an engineering perspective

Specifically relates to engineering principles or practices.

in the language of experts

Highlights the specific jargon and knowledge that technical experts use to communicate.

in the jargon

Focuses on the jargon from a very specific field or area.

by the letter of the law

Highlights the precise, legalistic interpretation of something.

FAQs

What does "in a technical sense" mean?

The phrase "in a technical sense" indicates that you are using a term or concept according to its precise, often specialized, definition within a particular field or discipline. It clarifies that the term's everyday usage may differ from its technical meaning.

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

You can use "in a technical sense" to introduce a specific or specialized meaning of a word or phrase. For instance, "A virus is not alive in a technical sense because it cannot reproduce on its own."

Are there alternatives to saying "in a technical sense"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "in technical terms", "from a technical standpoint", or "according to the technical definition" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "in a technical sense"?

It is appropriate to use "in a technical sense" when you need to distinguish between the common understanding of a term and its precise, specialized meaning within a specific field. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.