practical intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical intelligence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the ability to solve everyday problems and adapt to different situations through practical knowledge and experience. Example: She may not have a lot of formal education, but her practical intelligence allows her to excel in her job as a mechanic.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, since engineering practice also relies on substantial practical intelligence, it would be useful to study the extent to which students acquire this.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

What is often forgotten, in the noisy polemics around Stockhausen, is the fact that his visions were put into practice with a colossal speculative and practical intelligence, which earned him the respect and enthusiasm of musicians as diverse as Boulez and the Beatles.

The Guardian - Music

What is often forgotten, in the noisy polemics around Stockhausen is the fact that his visions were put into practice in his 362 individually performable works with a colossal speculative and practical intelligence, which earned him the respect of musicians as diverse as Boulez and the Beatles.

The Guardian

"He has an astonishing practical intelligence," Buscaglia said.

The Guardian

Practical intelligence and tacit knowledge: An ecological view of expertise.

Cornell University

Nonetheless, practical intelligence has not yet been assessed or measured.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

But, like the title character, Mr. Nesher demonstrates a practical intelligence for making basic connections.

The New York Times

Mr. Wood and many other acquaintances say Mr. Bush brims with a practical intelligence.

The New York Times

We say, oh, it's creative intelligence, or practical intelligence, or spatial intelligence.

Harvard Business Review

Results showed a negative correlation between practical intelligence (knowledge of medical remedies) and academic achievement.

Britannica

In this remarkable debut, a range of characters rich in practical intelligence demonstrate the importance of influence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational outcomes or professional skills, use "practical intelligence" to highlight the importance of applying knowledge effectively in real-world situations.

Common error

Avoid using "practical intelligence" interchangeably with academic intelligence. While academic intelligence focuses on theoretical knowledge, "practical intelligence" emphasizes the ability to solve everyday problems and adapt to different environments. Remember that one can be strong in one area and weaker in the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical intelligence" functions as a noun phrase, where "practical" modifies the noun "intelligence". It describes a specific type of intelligence related to real-world application and problem-solving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical intelligence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes the ability to effectively solve real-world problems. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly used across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While often contrasted with academic intelligence, understanding how to use it correctly avoids misinterpretations. You can use alternatives such as "street smarts" or "common sense" depending on the specific context, to diversify your language. The term appears most often in News & Media, Science and Academic sources, according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pragmatic problem-solving

This emphasizes a practical and realistic approach to addressing challenges.

applied knowledge

This highlights the application of theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems.

common sense

This alternative refers to the basic level of understanding and judgment that helps people to live in a reasonable and safe way.

street smarts

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the ability to navigate everyday life through experience and resourcefulness.

adaptive reasoning

This alternative places importance on the ability to adjust one's thinking to suit different situations.

real-world expertise

This alternative highlights experience and skill gained in practical settings, emphasizing tangible abilities.

savvy

This refers to having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness, especially in practical matters.

resourcefulness

This focuses on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

worldly wisdom

This indicates knowledge gained through life experiences and understanding of how the world works.

tactical thinking

This implies a strategic and pragmatic approach to problem-solving in immediate contexts.

FAQs

How does "practical intelligence" differ from academic intelligence?

"Practical intelligence" focuses on the ability to adapt to and solve real-world problems, while academic intelligence emphasizes theoretical knowledge and analytical skills. They are distinct but complementary forms of intelligence.

What are some examples of "practical intelligence" in action?

Examples of "practical intelligence" include effectively managing resources, navigating social situations, and troubleshooting everyday problems. People with strong "practical intelligence" are often resourceful and adaptable.

How can I improve my "practical intelligence"?

You can improve your "practical intelligence" by seeking out real-world experiences, observing how others solve problems, and reflecting on your own experiences. Practice applying your knowledge in different contexts and learning from your mistakes.

What's a good alternative to the phrase "practical intelligence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "street smarts", "common sense", or "applied knowledge".