practical imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing moral philosophy, ethics, or decision-making where practical considerations are emphasized. Example: "In situations where immediate action is required, the practical imperative often takes precedence over theoretical considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Will the practical imperative to rebuild and incorporate a memorial on this prized real estate take hold?

The New York Times

When there is an electoral, or practical, imperative to deal with Muslim concerns, local administrators somehow get round the taboos.

The Economist

The moral and practical imperative to begin to put arms permanently beyond use now needs to be hammered home, particularly by the Irish government.

The Guardian

Taking part in preparations for the defense of the island from the vicissitudes of hurricane season may have a practical imperative, but this, too, is framed as a revolutionary duty.

The New Yorker

But it does reinforce the picture of a species that, for the most part, doesn't undertake dramatic, sustained and costly ventures without a near-term, practical imperative at the root.

The New York Times

Watching Fiennes, you'd never know that "Coriolanus" is not only a great tragedy but also a moving meditation on the political temperament — and the dangers that await the politician who fails to reconcile the moral need to be true to himself with the practical imperative to be popular.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The protagonists would never be matched by an internet dating site, but more practical imperatives bring them together.

The Guardian - Books

They do not justify our failure to recognize the moral and practical imperatives to mount a full-throttle treatment program in conjunction with ongoing education and prevention efforts.

The New York Times

So commentators on trade and immigration should stress the cosmopolitan perspective, knowing that the practical imperatives of the nation-state will not be underrepresented in the ensuing debate.

The New York Times

Hobbes calls these practical imperatives "Lawes of Nature", the sum of which is not to treat others in ways we would not have them treat us.

SEP

For instance, Mark Fowler argues that "coercion generally involves the prima facie immoral imposition of practical imperatives by use of threats" (Fowler 1982, 330).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practical imperative" to emphasize that a certain action is not just advisable, but virtually unavoidable due to the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "practical imperative" in everyday conversation. The phrase carries a weight of importance and urgency that's best reserved for formal writing and situations where the necessity is undeniable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical imperative" functions as a noun phrase, where 'practical' modifies 'imperative'. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase. It identifies a course of action or decision that is not merely advisable but is dictated by the circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical imperative" is a valid and commonly used phrase in formal English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies an action or decision that is not merely advisable but absolutely necessary due to prevailing circumstances. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of urgency and importance. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is best reserved for formal settings. Remember Ludwig's examples to use "practical imperative" to emphasize unavoidable actions driven by necessity. Related phrases such as "pressing need" or "compelling necessity" can provide suitable alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is a useful tool in expressing the critical importance of certain actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing need

Focuses on the urgency of the requirement, omitting the sense of moral or logical necessity.

urgent requirement

Highlights the immediacy and essential nature of the need.

compelling necessity

Emphasizes the irresistible nature of the need, slightly more formal.

inescapable obligation

Shifts the focus to the unavoidable duty or responsibility.

essential action

Focuses solely on the action that must be taken, simplifying the imperative.

critical measure

Highlights the decisiveness of an action, suggesting a turning point.

vital step

Indicates an action that is crucial for progress or success.

mandatory action

Highlights the compulsory aspect of the action.

imperative action

Is very similar, but without the "practical" aspect, it is a general call to action.

necessary course of action

Describes a specific path to follow due to the circumstances.

FAQs

How to use "practical imperative" in a sentence?

You can use "practical imperative" to describe actions that are essential and unavoidable due to specific circumstances, such as "Rebuilding the infrastructure after the disaster became a "practical imperative"".

What can I say instead of "practical imperative"?

You can use alternatives like "pressing need", "urgent requirement", or "compelling necessity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "moral and practical imperative"?

While it might seem redundant, using both "moral" and "practical" emphasizes that the action is required from both an ethical and a functional standpoint, reinforcing the urgency and importance. Omitting the word 'moral' and just using "practical imperative" focuses only on the necessity of the action.

What's the difference between "practical imperative" and "moral imperative"?

"Practical imperative" refers to actions that are necessary and unavoidable due to real-world constraints or circumstances, while "moral imperative" describes actions that are considered ethically or morally required, regardless of practicality.