it seemed impractical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seemed impractical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or opinion about something that appears to be unfeasible or not realistic. Example: "After considering the logistics of the plan, it seemed impractical to proceed without further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She loved comedy, but it seemed impractical; she earned an M.B.A. at U.C.L.A. and endured a year at a New York advertising firm, working on the Stroh's beer account.

The New Yorker

With these constraints in mind, it seemed impractical (and perhaps unjustifiable) to ask patients to participate in a tedious experiment to measure performance on a switch keyboard until we had demonstrated the validity and value of the overall optimization approach.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

While the idea is sound - not least because Rangers still do not have a properly functioning and extensive scouting network, let alone the kind of medical, performance and strategy support structures expected of a club of this size and the stature it wants to regain - it seemed impractical to try to recruit somebody now when the club's finances are so fragile.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If it seems impractical that Jenny Craig would market its product in France, the country with the highest percentage of underweight people in Western Europe, consider this: People who live in a country where there is a high premium on being thin might just be people who will buy diet plans.

The New York Times - Magazine

Assessment without bias It seems impractical to imagine evaluating someone but remaining ignorant of their sex.

The Guardian

In many cases, obtaining an endosope is expensive and it seems impractical investing just for the use of such complications.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Hence, it seems impractical to assess how close each scanner can reach SUVmean of 4. Instead, DRO was smoothed to match SUVs of the targets in each of SPECT/CT systems with the corresponding SUVs in DRO.   3.

EJNMMI Research

Hence, it seems impractical to assess how close each scanner can reach SUVmean of 4. Instead, DRO was smoothed to match SUVs of the targets in each of SPECT/CT systems with the corresponding SUVs in DRO.

EJNMMI Research

Patient should be first scanned in the supine position concentrating on the midline and right upper quadrant, then in the left lateral decubitus and prone position [5, 12], although it seems impractical for uncooperative, distressed patients or acutely ill patients, who often have an ileus [8].

Critical Ultrasound Journal

It seems impractical to suggest that all Malibu ranch owners illuminate their properties all night every night.

Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, it seems impractical to identify all PNSP carriers.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seemed impractical", ensure the context clearly indicates whose perspective is being represented. For example, specify who deemed it impractical or what specific aspects made it seem so.

Common error

Avoid using "it seemed impractical" excessively in passive voice. Opt for active constructions where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging, such as "I considered the plan impractical" or "Experts found the solution impractical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seemed impractical" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment about the feasibility or viability of something. This assessment is based on a prior observation or consideration. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from business decisions to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seemed impractical" is used to express a judgment about the lack of feasibility or viability of something, often based on an initial assessment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used across different contexts. The phrase is most commonly used in "News & Media" and "Science". While it appears to be used across a variety of sources, it has a relatively low-frequency usage, which points toward the existence of several suitable alternative phrasings in similar contexts, such as ""it appeared unfeasible"", or ""it looked unrealistic"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appeared unfeasible

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "appeared unfeasible", suggesting a similar sense of not being viable, but focusing on initial appearance rather than a more considered judgment.

it looked unrealistic

Substitutes "seemed impractical" with "looked unrealistic", emphasizing a lack of alignment with reality or expectations.

it struck me as unworkable

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "struck me as unworkable", indicating a personal assessment of the plan's feasibility and the idea that the plan is impossible to put into practice.

it presented itself as inviable

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "presented itself as inviable", lending a more formal tone and highlighting the inherent impossibility of the plan.

it was deemed unachievable

Substitutes "seemed impractical" with "was deemed unachievable", indicating a judgment made by someone in a position of authority or expertise.

it was regarded as unrealistic

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "was regarded as unrealistic", suggesting a widespread belief that the plan could not happen.

it was considered unfeasible

Substitutes "seemed impractical" with "was considered unfeasible", indicating a formal assessment that something is not practically possible or likely to succeed.

it appeared to be a dead end

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "appeared to be a dead end", implying that the plan can lead to no results.

it didn't seem like a viable option

Replaces "seemed impractical" with "didn't seem like a viable option", conveying a lack of suitability and practicality.

it was a non-starter

Substitutes "seemed impractical" with "was a non-starter", indicating that the plan or the idea was bad from the beginning and therefore will not likely lead to any results.

FAQs

What does "it seemed impractical" mean?

The phrase "it seemed impractical" suggests that something appeared unfeasible, unrealistic, or not viable based on initial assessment or available information. It conveys a sense of doubt about the practicality of a plan, idea, or action.

What can I say instead of "it seemed impractical"?

You can use alternatives like "it appeared unfeasible", "it looked unrealistic", or "it struck me as unworkable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "it seemed impractical" in a sentence?

Use "it seemed impractical" to express a perception that something is not likely to succeed or be achievable. For example, "After considering the budget constraints, it seemed impractical to launch a new marketing campaign this quarter".

Is "it seems impractical" or "it seemed impractical" more appropriate?

"It seems impractical" refers to a current assessment, while "it seemed impractical" refers to a past assessment. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a present or past perception of impracticality. Choose the tense based on timeline.