practical aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific, achievable goal or objective that is grounded in real-world application. Example: "The practical aim of this research is to develop a more efficient method for recycling plastic waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Dr Indiveri is working independently of the HBP and with a different, more practical aim in mind.

The Economist

But Andrei Ivanov, an analyst with Troika Dialog, an investment firm, says that the closures are more than just public relations; they have a practical aim as well.

The Economist

Currently, personhood is often treated symbolically rather than factually – as an honorific, a promise to pretend that an entity (an ape, a foetus, a corporation) is a person in order to achieve some philosophical or practical aim.

The Guardian

He pitches himself as the man who can combine the socialist principles that Corbyn's supporters see incarnate in the incumbent leader and meld them with a practical aim to win general elections.

The Guardian

"Reader comments are a mix of insight and inanity that few of us have the time or energy to digest," says Gaizauskas. "SENSEI has the very practical aim of helping readers to make sense of this mass of comment.

The Guardian

After the armistice, Porter sailed for America with the practical aim of persuading his grandfather to give him an allowance that would be appropriate to the income of Mrs. Thomas, whom he hoped to marry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The contemporary philosopher of social science, Rom Harre follows the theoretical sociologists in offering this kind of definition (Harre 1979: 98): "An institution was defined as an interlocking double-structure of persons-as-role-holders or office-bearers and the like, and of social practices involving both expressive and practical aims and outcomes".

SEP

Technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its influential work has practical aims, from working with employers to helping mentally ill people get and stay in work, and improving the range and quality of prison health services.

The Guardian

The inspiration of the "common cause" of European Protestantism did not lead him to subordinate insular national interests; he reduced the ideological ends of international Protestantism to the more practical aims of secular patriotism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite his concessions to the pope, Otto had no intention of dropping imperial claims in Italy; the practical aims that had driven the Hohenstaufen shaped his policy as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "practical aim", ensure the context clearly indicates how the aim is realistic and achievable. Avoid using it for abstract or idealistic goals.

Common error

Avoid using "practical aim" to describe goals that lack specific steps or realistic outcomes. Ensure the aim is grounded in tangible actions and measurable results, not just good intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical aim" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes a goal or objective that is realistic and achievable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical aim" is a noun phrase used to describe a realistic and achievable goal. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable English. It is most frequently found in science and news media contexts. When writing, ensure the context supports the feasibility of the aim, and avoid using it for abstract or idealistic aspirations. Alternatives include "realistic goal", "pragmatic objective" and "functional purpose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realistic goal

Emphasizes the achievability and feasibility of the objective.

pragmatic objective

Highlights the practicality and usefulness of the objective.

functional purpose

Focuses on the intended function or use of the objective.

real-world application

Stresses the objective's relevance to actual, tangible situations.

feasible target

Highlights the attainability and manageability of the target.

achievable objective

Emphasizes the possibility of successfully reaching the objective.

utilitarian goal

Focuses on the usefulness and beneficial outcomes of the goal.

workable plan

Stresses the feasibility and practicality of the plan.

tangible outcome

Highlights the concrete and measurable results of the objective.

down-to-earth ambition

Emphasizes the realistic and unpretentious nature of the ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "practical aim" in a sentence?

You can use "practical aim" to describe a specific, achievable goal. For example: "The "practical aim" of this project is to reduce waste by 20%."

What are some alternatives to "practical aim"?

Alternatives include "realistic goal", "pragmatic objective", or "functional purpose", depending on the specific context.

Is "practical aim" the same as "theoretical goal"?

No, "practical aim" refers to a goal that is achievable and applicable in real-world situations, while a "theoretical goal" is more conceptual and may not have immediate practical applications.

When should I use "practical aim" over "general objective"?

Use "practical aim" when you want to emphasize the feasibility and real-world applicability of the objective, rather than a broad or abstract objective.