on the practical side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the practical side" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express the contrast between an ideal or theoretical approach versus something that is more likely to work in practice. For example: "The professor had an interesting theory on how to approach the problem, but on the practical side, we know it wouldn't actually work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the practical side, one must do all one can to defend one's rights.

Huffington Post

On the practical side, many genes have more than one effect, and swapping out the bad version of a gene can have unpredictable complications.

The New York Times - Science

On the practical side, Gardasil is supposed to be given as three shots over six months.

The New York Times - Health

On the practical side, there are programs that help with the more mundane aspects of automobile ownership.

The New York Times

"On the practical side," Ms. Lorsung said, "we're dealing with three E's: the economy and our two exes.

The New York Times

On the practical side, nice touches include free Wi-Fi throughout, power sockets and a locker for each bed, bike storage and en suite dorms.

The Guardian - Travel

Now in its third year, this three-week program offers seminars on the practical side of leading and administering an orchestra, as well as rehearsals and a performance.

The New York Times

On the practical side, there's a baby-feeding boudoir, nappy-changing tent, bottle warmers and an area where baby bubble baths are drawn from 5pm-7pm eveningvevening

The Guardian - Music

On the practical side, it would also provide a way to get troops and tanks across the rugged mountains in a hurry.

The Guardian - Travel

On the practical side, there was a salon, and coffee, and panels about women in business and one called "Hey America!

The New Yorker

"On the practical side," Mr. Axinn added, "the sandwich generation has kids to raise and parents to be the guardian of".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting theoretical ideas with real-world applications, use "on the practical side" to clearly signal the shift in focus.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "on the practical side" excessively in very informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "practically" or "realistically" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the practical side" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial phrase to modify a sentence or clause. It indicates a shift in focus towards the pragmatic or realistic aspects of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the practical side" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce pragmatic considerations and real-world applications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While it can be used in many situations, it's best to consider your audience and the overall tone of your text before you use it, or consider alternatives like "in practice" or "from a practical standpoint". Be careful to not overuse it in informal writing, and ensure you balance theoretical discussions with real-world feasibility using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a practical standpoint

Emphasizes the viewpoint as being grounded in practical considerations.

in practical terms

Focuses on explaining something in a way that relates to real-world application.

as a matter of practicality

Highlights that the decision or consideration is based on what is achievable or sensible.

for practical purposes

Indicates the reason for doing something is related to ease or utility.

in reality

Focuses on actual conditions.

in practice

Highlights the implementation or execution of something.

from an applied perspective

Stresses the use of knowledge and skills to solve practical problems.

concerning its application

Highlights how a concept or idea is put to use.

regarding its utility

Emphasis on usefulness or advantage.

in terms of feasibility

Focuses on whether something is possible or likely to succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "on the practical side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the practical side" to introduce a real-world consideration or application, as opposed to a theoretical idea. For example, "The plan is great in theory, but "on the practical side", it might be too expensive."

What are some alternatives to "on the practical side"?

You can use alternatives like "in practice", "from a practical standpoint", or "in practical terms" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "on the practical side of things"?

While not strictly incorrect, "of things" is often unnecessary. Sticking with ""on the practical side"" is usually more concise and direct.

When should I use "on the practical side" versus "in theory"?

"On the practical side" is used to discuss real-world application and feasibility, while "in theory" is used to discuss how something should work ideally. They often appear together to contrast ideas.