in principle and practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in principle and practice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of a concept or idea, highlighting the difference between what is theoretically true and what is actually implemented. Example: "The policy looks good in principle and practice, but we need to address the challenges in its execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Tom is a great conversationalist both in principle and practice".

The Guardian - Books

"It is about designing technology to deliver in principle and practice.

The Guardian - Tech

Insofar as the press is now thinking twice, that is, in principle and practice, a good thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the UK votes to stay in, it will have done so in full knowledge that staying entails a commitment to free movement of workers in the EU, both in principle and practice, and the resulting migration flows.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like most students of Wells I came to the conclusion that he was riven with contradictions in principle and practice, but that he was also one of the most interesting and prodigiously talented figures in 20th-century cultural history.

The Guardian - Books

The US says the letter shows the administration was opposed to his release in principle and practice, but if the Scottish executive were intent on his release there were conditions and circumstances attached that would mitigate its impact.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

35, 36 Training for clinicians in principles and practice of decision aids and informed decision making has also been shown to help overcome implementation issues.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

We note in passing that a Bayesian statistical approach offers a theoretically appealing alternative to conventional statistical testing which avoids the use of p values although not without difficulties both in principles and practice.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

But there are problems with term limits, both in principle and in practice.

The Economist

Natalia Argiropoulou, 22, Patras I voted no because no appears to be the most rational choice, both in principle and in practice.

The Guardian

So a vote to remain will be an acceptance – however reluctant – that staying entails a commitment to free movement of workers in the EU, in principle and in practice, and the resulting migration flows.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in principle and practice", clearly differentiate between the theoretical ideal and the real-world implementation to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific examples to illustrate any discrepancies.

Common error

Avoid using "in principle and practice" when the theoretical and practical aspects are nearly identical. Choose a more concise phrase or omit the distinction altogether to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in principle and practice" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It describes the manner in which something is considered or evaluated, highlighting both its theoretical and practical aspects. Ludwig provides examples that showcase this dual consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “in principle and practice” is a valuable tool for thoroughly evaluating concepts or policies, as it ensures consideration of both the theoretical ideal and the practical application. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts, especially within news, science, and business domains. Remember to avoid redundancy and consider alternatives like "in theory and in reality" or "in concept and application" for stylistic variation. By using this phrase judiciously, you can enhance the clarity and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in theory and in reality

Swaps 'principle' for 'theory' and 'practice' for 'reality', focusing on the contrast between abstract ideas and concrete situations.

in idea and in execution

Replaces 'principle' with 'idea' and 'practice' with 'execution', highlighting the difference between the initial concept and its implementation.

in concept and application

Substitutes 'principle' with 'concept' and 'practice' with 'application', emphasizing the theoretical model versus its real-world usage.

theoretically and practically

Uses adverbs instead of prepositional phrases to convey the same meaning, focusing on the distinction between abstract theory and practical application.

in abstraction and in practice

Replaces 'principle' with 'abstraction', highlighting the contrast between abstract ideas and practical implementation.

in design and in effect

Focuses on the intended design versus the actual effect, suitable when discussing plans or systems.

on paper and in reality

Contrasts what is written or planned ('on paper') with the actual outcome ('in reality').

in principle and in actuality

Substitutes 'practice' with 'actuality', emphasizing the difference between what is supposed to happen and what actually happens.

nominally and effectively

Highlights the difference between what is claimed or named ('nominally') and what is effective in reality.

as intended and as implemented

Focuses on the difference between the intended outcome and the actual implementation of a plan or system.

FAQs

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

Use "in principle and practice" to highlight the contrast or alignment between a theory or idea and its real-world application. For example: "The policy seems sound in principle and practice, but its effectiveness requires further evaluation."

What's the difference between "in principle and practice" and "in theory and in practice"?

The phrases "in principle and practice" and "in theory and in practice" are largely interchangeable. Both emphasize the contrast or comparison between an idea's theoretical foundation and its practical application. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

Is it redundant to say "in principle and practice"?

While "in principle and practice" can sometimes seem redundant, it's useful when you want to emphasize that you're considering both the theoretical validity and the practical implications of something. If both are aligned or equally important, using the phrase helps to underscore this comprehensive view.

Which is more formal, "in principle and practice" or "in theory and in practice"?

The phrase "in principle and practice" tends to be slightly more formal than "in theory and in practice". However, both are appropriate for most professional and academic contexts.