practical things

USAGE SUMMARY

'practical things' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to things that are useful or of practical benefit. For example, "Investing in a savings account is a practical thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Practical things".

The New York Times - Sports

"Practical things," Eleanor says approvingly.

The New York Times

"Fairs are very practical things".

The New Yorker

There's practical things we should do.

Independent

"But these practical things are essential.

The New York Times

"We were thinking very practical things!

The Guardian

She tried to do practical things.

The New York Times

"There are very practical things involved," Dr. Tononi said.

The New York Times - Science

"But I write about very real, very practical things.

The New Yorker

The practical things are easier to pin down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I know so many practical things---and I learn more all the time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract ideas, ground them by providing specific examples of "practical things" to make your points more relatable and understandable.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on theoretical concepts without addressing the "practical things" needed for implementation. Ensure your writing balances abstract ideas with concrete steps for achieving desired outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to tangible or actionable elements that are useful or effective. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its usage in various contexts to describe real-world applications and considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practical things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights the importance of concrete and actionable elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure a balance between abstract ideas and the concrete steps needed for implementation. Consider alternatives like "useful items" or "functional objects" to add nuance. This phrase is suitable for various registers, maintaining a neutral tone appropriate for broad application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

useful items

Focuses on the utility of the items, emphasizing their helpfulness in achieving a goal.

functional objects

Emphasizes the design and purpose of the objects being geared towards specific functions.

sensible matters

Highlights the rationality and good judgment associated with the issues at hand.

realistic considerations

Focuses on the importance of realism and feasibility in the decision-making process.

pragmatic approaches

Emphasizes a practical and results-oriented method for dealing with issues.

serviceable goods

Highlights the durability and reliability of the goods, emphasizing their ability to provide service.

tangible assets

Focuses on the physical and measurable nature of the items, emphasizing their value.

workable solutions

Highlights the ability of the solutions to be implemented effectively and achieve desired outcomes.

actionable steps

Emphasizes the readiness and ease with which the steps can be put into action.

applicable methods

Highlights the relevance and suitability of the methods for the situation at hand.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "practical things" in a sentence?

Use "practical things" to refer to tangible actions, items, or considerations that are useful and effective in a particular context. For example, "Before planning any further, let's consider the "practical things" needed for the project's success".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "practical things"?

You can use alternatives like "useful items", "functional objects", or "sensible matters" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "practical things" and "realistic things"?

"Practical things" generally refer to useful and effective items or actions, while "realistic things" emphasize considerations that are achievable and grounded in reality. The terms are related but have distinct nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "practical things" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "practical things" in professional writing when discussing the concrete steps, resources, or considerations necessary for achieving specific goals or addressing particular challenges. For example, when writing a business plan it's important to focus on ""practical things" like market analysis and financial projections".