practical tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to tasks that involve tangible, real-world actions and results. For example, you could say, "The students in the engineering lab were assigned a series of practical tasks designed to reinforce the lessons they had learned in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Religion was also harnessed to vital practical tasks such as agriculture, which in the first societies to practice it required quite unaccustomed forms of labor and organization.

The New York Times

This may manifest itself in a number of practical tasks.

Working Memory and Education

It's her job to translate Price's design into practical tasks each week for the Thrive team.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've become far more resourceful and more confident about completing practical tasks myself.

The Guardian - Money

Many apps for the new watches can help owners with a range of practical tasks.

The New York Times

Such agents assist students with practical tasks such as visa applications and insurance, the report said.

The New York Times

Progressive theories -- which Dr. Egan says he likes, as philosophy -- too easily distract from the practical tasks of educating students.

The New York Times

He drafted NSC-68, a policy review for Harry Truman, spelling out the practical tasks Kennan's "containment" doctrine entailed.

The Economist

The practical tasks of governing have to be faced, and a split develops between moderates and radicals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

base orientation of a free-flying space robot in practical tasks is addressed.

Acta Astronautica

The article also solves practical tasks of the polyurethane core passage through the fibre-processing head.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing training programs or educational curricula, use "practical tasks" to highlight the hands-on components and skill-building exercises.

Common error

Avoid using "practical tasks" when referring to purely conceptual or abstract activities. Instead, use terms like "theoretical exercises" or "thought experiments" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical tasks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As illustrated by Ludwig, it commonly refers to activities that involve applying knowledge or skills in a tangible way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practical tasks" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe activities involving real-world application of skills. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in science, news, and academic contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. When writing, it's best to reserve "practical tasks" for activities that are truly hands-on and not purely theoretical. Alternatives like "operational tasks" or "actionable items" may be more appropriate in certain professional contexts. The phrase enjoys a neutral tone that makes it usable in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Actual tasks

Focuses on the reality or genuineness of the tasks.

Feasible tasks

Emphasizes the achievability or doability of the tasks.

Realistic tasks

Focuses on tasks that are grounded in reality and achievable.

Operational tasks

Highlights tasks that are part of a larger operation or process.

Applicable tasks

Highlights the relevance and usability of the tasks.

Actionable tasks

Emphasizes that the tasks are ready to be acted upon.

Specific tasks

Underscores the detailed or particular nature of the tasks.

Functional tasks

Highlights tasks that serve a specific function or purpose.

Tangible tasks

Stresses the concrete or perceptible nature of the tasks.

Hands-on activities

Suggests direct, physical engagement in the tasks.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "practical tasks" into lesson plans?

Integrate hands-on activities, simulations, and real-world projects that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge. These "hands-on activities" enhance understanding and retention.

What are some alternatives to "practical tasks" in a business context?

In professional settings, consider using phrases like "operational tasks", "actionable items", or "key responsibilities" to convey specific job duties or assignments.

Is "realistic tasks" different from "practical tasks"?

While both terms relate to tasks that can be done, "realistic tasks" emphasizes feasibility and alignment with real-world constraints, whereas "practical tasks" focuses on applicability and usefulness. Therefore, "realistic tasks" have a connotation of feasibility.

When should I use "hands-on activities" instead of "practical tasks"?

"Hands-on activities" specifically implies direct, physical engagement with the task. Use it when you want to emphasize the physical aspect of performing "hands-on activities".