in more practical terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in more practical terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or simplify a concept by expressing it in a more relatable or applicable way. Example: "The theory is complex, but in more practical terms, it means we need to focus on user experience to improve our product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Put in more practical terms, chaos can be relied upon to kick in whenever, for instance, the rebels seem to gain something on the battlefield.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bloomberg put it in more practical terms.

The New York Times

But many less ardent supporters spoke in more practical terms.

The New York Times

A New York magazine headline writer summed it up in more practical terms.

The New York Times

Some alternative colleges have had to think in more practical terms, and evolve.

The New York Times

Cultural agencies and foundations are also reflecting on the institutions they help finance, albeit in more practical terms.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Later he would address ethics in even more practical terms, not as a philosophy but as an "art" of loyalty.

SEP

A world with the "movies" and the wireless to amuse it, a world, moreover, in which the sexes meet on more practical terms than in the past, has more to do than mob a handsome woman for the sake of her looks.

The Guardian

But it emphasizes the idea that social injustice is part of the country's fabric -- and, in more practical, cynical terms, adds a well-known star to the cast.

The New York Times

Stated in more practical and managerial terms, the CSR driven firm should strive to make a profit, obey the law, engage in ethical practices and be a good corporate citizen.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

If the Palestinians refuse, European officers at the scene will have the final say.But while the slight concession to its sovereignty is symbolically important to the Palestinian Authority and to Gazans who will once again be able to visit relatives on the other side of the border, what matters more in practical terms are the deal's other parts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "in more practical terms", briefly summarize the initial, more complex concept first to provide context for the simplified explanation that follows.

Common error

Avoid using "in more practical terms" repetitively within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound redundant and detract from the clarity you're aiming for. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or rephrase the concept in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in more practical terms" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It signals a shift from a more abstract, theoretical, or complex explanation to a simpler, more relatable one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a widely recognized and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in more practical terms" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to bridge the gap between complex ideas and relatable understanding. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and widely used. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, signaling a shift towards simplification. Use it to clarify difficult concepts, but avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "in simpler terms" or "to put it simply" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "in more practical terms" to enhance the clarity and accessibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simpler terms

Focuses on reducing complexity, emphasizing ease of understanding.

to put it simply

Highlights brevity and straightforwardness in explanation.

in plain language

Stresses the use of everyday language, avoiding jargon.

in layman's terms

Specifically targets an audience unfamiliar with technical terminology.

to clarify further

Emphasizes the act of making something easier to understand.

in real-world terms

Connects the concept to practical, observable situations.

practically speaking

Highlights the practical implications of a concept.

in a more accessible way

Focuses on making the information easier for a broader audience to grasp.

in more understandable terms

Emphasizes the increased comprehensibility of the rephrased explanation.

to break it down

Suggests simplifying a complex concept into smaller, manageable parts.

FAQs

How can I use "in more practical terms" in a sentence?

Use "in more practical terms" to introduce a simpler or more relatable explanation of a complex concept. For example: "The algorithm is intricate, but "in more practical terms", it sorts data based on relevance".

What are some alternatives to "in more practical terms"?

Alternatives include "in simpler terms", "to put it simply", or "in plain language". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of simplification.

Is it appropriate to use "in more practical terms" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. If your audience values precision and detail, avoid oversimplification. If your audience is less familiar with the subject, using "in more practical terms" can be helpful.

What's the difference between "in more practical terms" and "in theory"?

"In theory" introduces an idea in its ideal, often unrealistic form. "In more practical terms" explains how that idea translates (or doesn't) into real-world applications.