practical

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "practical" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is useful or capable of being put to use in a particular way. For example, "This new tool is highly practical in managing customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

I think she was the most practical, efficient and organised person I have known.

The Guardian

One is practical.

The New York Times

This is an essential seminar for managers and leaders looking for a practical definition of big society and how it will work within local government.

The Guardian

More practical reasons suggest themselves for the success of Chilean wine: the central valleys boast rich alluvial soil, and the climate found between 28 and 38 degrees of latitude is perfect for the vines.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a partial but positive and practical answer to the conundrum of English devolution".

The Guardian

"We can offer a space for shy students to reflect on their experience," says a university spokeswoman, "along with structured time with professional emotional practitioners to explore possible contexts of their shyness, and practical tips and tools, such as mindfulness and CBT".

The Guardian

The forum's website carries photographs of Hockey and says: "On behalf of Joe Hockey I encourage you to join the North Sydney Forum and to offer your practical support to Joe Hockey".

The Guardian

Under cross-examination by Fairfax's barrister, Matt Collins, Hockey was asked why the North Sydney Forum membership forms referred to providing practical support to Hockey and used the words "business and community leaders supporting Joe Hockey MP".

The Guardian

Žantovský recalls the practical headaches of deciding who got what, just like the average divorce but rather more complicated.

The Guardian

At about the age of six, our daughter had an arrangement imposed on her that was difficult enough in practical terms: her father was often out of the country and unable to support her weekend sports commitments simply because they were always somewhere else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing solutions, use "practical" to emphasize that they are not just theoretically sound but also effective in real-world scenarios.

Common error

While "practical" is a useful term, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound simplistic. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "feasible", "pragmatic", or "applied" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "practical" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is effective, useful, or related to real experience, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "practical" is a versatile adjective used to describe something effective and applicable in real-world situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, highlighting its prevalence in news and media. For enhanced writing, consider synonyms like "realistic", "feasible", or "pragmatic" to add nuance. Be mindful of overusing "practical" in formal contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pragmatic

Stresses a practical approach, concerned with real-world results.

realistic

Focuses on actions and results oriented rather than idealism.

feasible

Emphasizes the possibility and suitability of being done or achieved.

workable

Highlights the ability to function effectively.

applied

Focuses on something put to use, rather than remaining theoretical.

utilitarian

Stresses the usefulness and functionality of something.

functional

Highlights the ability to perform a required function effectively.

down-to-earth

Emphasizes a grounded, realistic, and sensible approach.

efficient

Highlights the ability to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

serviceable

Focuses on the ability to provide a useful function or service.

FAQs

How to use "practical" in a sentence?

You can use "practical" to describe something that is effective and applicable to a real situation. For example, "This new tool is highly practical for managing customer service".

What can I say instead of "practical"?

You can use alternatives like "realistic", "feasible", or "workable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "practical solution" or "pragmatic solution"?

Both "practical solution" and "pragmatic solution" are correct. "Practical" emphasizes effectiveness in real-world scenarios, while "pragmatic" suggests a focus on realistic and achievable outcomes.

What's the difference between "practical" and "theoretical"?

"Practical" relates to real-world application and effectiveness, whereas "theoretical" relates to abstract concepts and ideas without necessarily having a real-world application.