it seems impractical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems impractical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the feasibility of a plan, idea, or suggestion. Example: "While the proposal has some interesting points, it seems impractical given our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

CRISPR is so cheap, widespread, and easy to harness that the concept of an Asilomar-like moratorium on its use seems impractical, Baltimore added.

Science Magazine

A resolution satisfying for all parties seems impractical.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide a brief explanation of why something seems impractical. This adds credibility to your assessment and shows you've considered the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems impractical" as a dismissive statement without explaining why. This can come across as arrogant or closed-minded. Always provide a reason to support your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems impractical" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an opinion or judgment about the feasibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it being used to evaluate plans, ideas, and suggestions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems impractical" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying doubt or skepticism about the feasibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, providing a rationale for your assessment adds credibility. Alternatives like "it appears unfeasible" or "it looks unrealistic" can be used to adjust the tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears unfeasible

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "impractical" with "unfeasible", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it's not really feasible

Uses a contraction and "really" for a more conversational tone, highlighting the lack of feasibility.

it looks unrealistic

Uses more informal language to convey that something is unlikely to happen.

it doesn't seem achievable

Focuses on the lack of achievability, suggesting that success is unlikely.

it is hardly viable

Emphasizes the lack of viability or sustainability of something.

it is dubious if it will work

Highlights the uncertainty and potential failure of a plan or idea.

it seems hardly possible

Emphasizes the low likelihood of something occurring or being achieved.

it is questionable whether it can be done

Expresses doubt about the possibility of accomplishing something.

it is a long shot

Suggests that there is little chance of success, though not necessarily impossible.

the odds are stacked against it

An idiomatic expression indicating that the chances of success are very low.

FAQs

What does "it seems impractical" mean?

The phrase "it seems impractical" suggests that something is unlikely to work or be successful in practice, even if it appears good in theory. It implies that there are obstacles or challenges that make the plan unfeasible.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems impractical"?

Use "it seems impractical" when you want to express doubt about the feasibility of a plan or idea. It's appropriate in situations where you need to be diplomatic but also express your concerns about whether something can be done effectively.

Which is a better alternative to "it seems impractical": "it seems unrealistic" or "it seems impossible"?

The best alternative depends on the degree of doubt you want to express. "It seems unrealistic" suggests a low probability of success, while "it seems impossible" indicates that something cannot be done under any circumstances.

How can I use "it seems impractical" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems impractical" to express your opinion that a proposed course of action is unlikely to succeed due to practical limitations. For example, "While the idea is innovative, it seems impractical given the current budget constraints."