practical problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"practical problem" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing a problem that has a tangible, practical solution. For example, "The workers in the factory were struggling with a practical problem: how to reduce production waste without raising costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He also foresees a practical problem.

The New Yorker

It also presents a very practical problem.

Independent

But he had one practical problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

But movement conservatives had a practical problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am a practical problem solver".

The New York Times

The first of these is an evident and practical problem.

The Guardian

To Merkel, Ukraine was a practical problem to be solved.

The New Yorker

There is a practical problem with the hyper-lively script.

The Guardian

"The emotional and psychological problem and the very practical problem".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Practical problem-solvers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Inventors need to bridge science and practical problem-solving skills.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "practical problem", ensure the context clearly indicates that the problem is solvable through concrete actions or solutions. For example, "The company faced a "practical problem": reducing costs while maintaining quality."

Common error

Avoid using "practical problem" when the issue is primarily theoretical or abstract. Instead, opt for terms like "conceptual challenge" or "theoretical difficulty" to better reflect the nature of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "practical" modifies the noun "problem". It identifies a difficulty or challenge that requires a tangible or workable solution. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical problem" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe challenges that demand concrete, workable solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where the focus is on actionable resolutions rather than abstract theories. Consider alternatives like "real-world issue" or "pressing concern" to fine-tune your message. Remember, using "practical problem" effectively means ensuring the context highlights the possibility of tangible solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real-world issue

Focuses on the tangible and immediate nature of the issue.

pressing concern

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the problem.

tangible difficulty

Highlights the concrete and measurable aspect of the problem.

solvable challenge

Implies that the problem, while difficult, has a potential solution.

actionable issue

Suggests the problem requires and is amenable to specific actions.

feasible obstacle

Emphasizes the attainability to overcome a particular blockage.

workable dilemma

A dilemma that can be handled or resolved successfully.

achievable task

Highlights that the "problem" can be broken down into one or more task that can be completed to overcome the underlying challenge.

technical snag

Underscores a problem that is mainly in the technical field.

logistical hurdle

Conveys a problem in terms of the flow and coordination.

FAQs

How do I use "practical problem" in a sentence?

Use "practical problem" to describe a challenge that requires a tangible, workable solution. For instance, "Finding affordable housing in the city is a "practical problem" for many residents."

What are some alternatives to "practical problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "real-world issue", "pressing concern", or "tangible difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "practical problem"?

Yes, it's less appropriate when the problem is primarily abstract, theoretical, or philosophical. In such cases, use terms like "theoretical challenge" or "conceptual issue" instead.

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

A "practical problem" requires hands-on solutions and actions, while a "theoretical problem" involves abstract concepts and intellectual reasoning.