practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is feasible or achievable in a practical sense. Example: "While the plan is ambitious, we need to ensure that it is practicable within our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And some individual characteristics would impair a person's functioning under all or almost all practicable alternatives to current social practices.

SEP

As practitioners found themselves without enlightened guidance in a world increasingly distant from the benign influence of a buddha's presence, the obstacles to successful practice loomed ever larger and practitioners came to seek a practicable way to advance.

SEP

And we have set an ambition that ultrafast [100+ Mbps] broadband should be available to nearly all UK premises as soon as practicable".

The Guardian - Tech

The 8th amendment "acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect and, as far as practicable by its laws, to defend and vindicate that right".

The Guardian

For the ISC also sets out very clear limits to this exercise in transparency and that means it won't be practicable to "specify the detail of certain arrangements in legislation".

The Guardian

The truth is that, for most of us, jobs are so hard to come by that we can't bring ourselves to confine our ambition to the narrow band of opportunities that would be reasonably practicable.

The Guardian

However, employers are not to be held to the full requirements for consultation in special circumstances which render it not reasonably practicable for the employer to comply.

The Guardian - Business

One top civil servant says he was told simply to privatise the railways "as soon as was practicable" and to make the process irreversible before the next election.

The Economist

But there is a drawback to many bold enterprises, and the dark point in the present plan is that another practicable line can be made further to the north, which is not included in the concession to M. de Lessep's company.

The Economist

The act requires an employer "to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that [third parties]...are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety".

The Economist

Europe will hardly want to build a Chinese-style firewall to prevent that.And even if it were practicable to force companies to erase the past, it would do more harm than good.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or policy contexts, "practicable" is useful for indicating the extent to which a requirement can realistically be implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "practical" when you mean "practicable". "Practical" refers to something useful or efficient, whereas "practicable" refers to something capable of being done or put into practice. For example, a tool might be practical, but a solution is practicable.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "practicable" primarily functions to describe a noun as being capable of being accomplished or put into effect. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in assessing the feasibility of plans, actions, or alternatives in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "practicable" is used to describe something that is capable of being accomplished or put into effect. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in formal contexts such as news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "feasible", "workable", and "achievable" exist, it's important to distinguish "practicable" from "practical", as the former emphasizes the possibility of implementation, while the latter emphasizes usefulness. Using "practicable" correctly enhances clarity and precision, ensuring that your message conveys a sense of realism and feasibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feasible

This term suggests that something is capable of being done or carried out without great difficulty.

workable

This indicates that a plan or system is able to function or be used successfully.

achievable

This term emphasizes the possibility of reaching a desired goal or result.

viable

This suggests that something is capable of succeeding or functioning, especially financially or commercially.

realistic

This highlights the aspect of being based on what is possible rather than what is hoped for.

implementable

This focuses on the ability to put a plan or system into effect.

applicable

This indicates relevance and suitability for a particular purpose or situation.

expedient

This suggests that something is convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.

serviceable

This means something is functional and capable of fulfilling its purpose adequately.

doable

This is a more informal way of saying something is possible to accomplish.

FAQs

How can I use "practicable" in a sentence?

You can use "practicable" to describe something that is capable of being accomplished or put into effect. For example: "The plan is ambitious, but we believe it is "practicable" with the right resources."

What are some alternatives to using the word "practicable"?

Alternatives to "practicable" include "feasible", "workable", or "achievable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "practicable" and "practical"?

"Practicable" means capable of being put into practice or carried out, while "practical" means concerned with the actual doing or use of something. A "practical" solution is effective, while a "practicable" solution is possible to implement.

Is "practicable" a formal or informal word?

"Practicable" is generally considered a more formal word. In less formal contexts, you might prefer using simpler alternatives like "possible" or "doable".