in practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"in practice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is actually done as opposed to what is planned, theorized, or desired. For example, "We had a great plan in mind, but in practice it was too difficult to put into action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

|  "In Practice".

The New Yorker

In practice, they don't.

The Guardian - Opinion

In practice, he does".

The Guardian

In practice it cannot.

Independent

In practice, it backfired.

The New York Times - Sports

But in practice, intolerance remains.

The Economist

In practice, little has happened.

The New York Times

In practice it is murky.

The Economist

Woodson drilled him in practice.

The New York Times - Sports

In practice, don't expect much.

The New York Times

In practice not everyone is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in practice" to clearly contrast a theoretical plan or expectation with the actual outcome or reality of a situation. This helps highlight discrepancies or unexpected results.

Common error

Avoid using "in practice" without establishing a theoretical or planned scenario first. Ensure there's a clear contrast between what was intended or expected and what actually happened. For example, instead of saying "In practice, the system failed", provide the context: "The system was designed to handle 1000 users; however, in practice, it crashed with just 500".

Linguistic Context

In practice functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate how something actually occurs or operates in real-world conditions, often contrasting with theoretical expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights the difference between theory and reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in practice" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to highlight the contrast between theoretical expectations and actual outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's particularly useful for clarifying the reality of a situation when it differs from what was planned or predicted. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as science and business contexts. To use it effectively, always ensure there's a clear theoretical scenario established before introducing the practical reality. Alternatives include "in reality", "in effect", and "in application", providing options for varying the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reality

Replaces the focus on practical application with a more general statement of what actually happens.

in effect

Emphasizes the actual outcome or result, often implying a difference from the intended outcome.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that clarifies or corrects a previous assumption, highlighting the truth.

in actuality

Similar to "in reality", but may suggest a more surprising or unexpected truth.

in the real world

Highlights the contrast between theoretical ideas and practical application in everyday situations.

in application

Focuses more specifically on the act of applying a theory or idea, contrasting it with the theory itself.

in implementation

Highlights the difference between planning and the actual process of carrying something out.

as it plays out

Focuses on how something unfolds or develops in a real-world scenario.

the reality is

Directly introduces a factual statement, often contrasting with an assumption or expectation.

when put to the test

Emphasizes the process of testing an idea or theory in a practical situation.

FAQs

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

Use "in practice" to contrast what is supposed to happen with what actually happens. For example, "In theory, the new law should reduce crime, but "in practice", its effects are minimal".

What's a formal alternative to "in practice"?

Alternatives like "in reality", "in effect", or "in application" can serve as more formal substitutes for "in practice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "in practice" differ from "in theory"?

"In theory" describes what should happen under ideal conditions, while "in practice" describes what actually happens, often highlighting the differences between the ideal and the real.

Can "in practice" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "in practice" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrasting observation or reality. For example, "In theory, the project seemed feasible. "In practice", however, numerous challenges arose".