practical subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

'practical subjects' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to educational courses or disciplines that focus on the hands-on application of concepts. For example, "The school offers a variety of courses, including a selection of practical subjects such as engineering, cooking, and carpentry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The initiation "curriculum" does not usually include practical subjects.

Britannica

This progress has expanded the possibility of applying CSE to practical subjects.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Classes are held in English, and there is a western curriculum heavy on practical subjects such as business and engineering.

The Guardian

The frequency domain provides intuition on practical subjects traversing the field of control theory.

Control System Design Guide A Practical Guide

Udemy offers a huge variety of courses, primarily in practical subjects like Excel software or using an iPhone camera.

The New York Times - Tech

Northwestern offered a variety of liberal-arts majors, but was oriented toward Christian ministry and practical subjects like nursing and education.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Math is a practical subject which uses the brain, meaning that you cannot cram.

Stanford University

Science is very much a practical subject: as a teacher and senior leader, I've always said teachers should be doing practicals every lesson.

The Guardian

Computer science or any other practical subject doesn't exist in a vacuum; it interacts with the real world.

Columbia University

Last year our reviewer, Edmund White, said the author turns "his supremely practical subject" into "an elegant and sometimes grotesque fairy-tale hero".

The New York Times - Books

All the essays are linked by his overarching claim that political philosophy is a practical subject intended to orient and guide conduct in the social world.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational curricula, use "practical subjects" to clearly indicate courses that emphasize hands-on skills and real-world applications, such as vocational training or technical disciplines.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "practical subjects" are inherently easier than theoretical ones. Practical subjects often require a different kind of rigor, problem-solving, and skill development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical subjects" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a category of academic disciplines focused on applied skills and real-world application, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practical subjects" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe educational courses that emphasize hands-on skills and real-world applications. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid equating "practical" with "easy", as these subjects often require unique problem-solving skills. Consider using alternatives like "applied disciplines" or "vocational studies" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applied disciplines

Focuses on the application aspect, highlighting disciplines where theory is put into practice.

vocational studies

Emphasizes the career-oriented nature of the subjects, focusing on skills for employment.

technical subjects

Highlights the technical or technological aspect of the subjects.

career-focused courses

Specifically mentions courses that are designed to prepare for a career.

skill-based learning

Highlights the acquisition of skills rather than theoretical knowledge.

hands-on training

Emphasizes the active and experiential learning component.

job-oriented subjects

Directly links the subjects to future employment opportunities.

professional training

Focuses on subjects providing preparation for professional roles.

relevant coursework

Emphasizes the pertinence and applicability of the subjects to real-world scenarios.

utilitarian studies

Highlights the usefulness and practical value of the subjects.

FAQs

How do you define "practical subjects" in education?

"Practical subjects" refer to educational courses or disciplines that focus on the hands-on application of concepts and skills, often preparing students for specific careers or vocational paths.

What are some examples of "practical subjects" in high school?

Examples of "practical subjects" in high school include vocational courses like automotive technology, culinary arts, and web development, which teach specific skills applicable to real-world jobs.

Why are "practical subjects" important in education?

"Practical subjects" are important because they provide students with tangible skills, improve their employability, and cater to different learning styles that may not thrive in purely theoretical environments.

What's the difference between "practical subjects" and academic subjects?

While academic subjects like math and literature focus on theoretical knowledge, "practical subjects" emphasize skill development and application. However, the line can blur, as academic subjects often have practical applications and vice versa.