practically capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to perform a task or function, though perhaps not perfectly or in every situation. Example: "The new software is practically capable of handling most of our data processing needs, even if it occasionally encounters some limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But beyond robotic cars, many high-end vehicles available today are already practically capable of driving themselves either under the guise of passenger safety or driver convenience.

The Guardian - Tech

Not that long ago, owning a metropolitan newspaper guaranteed a seat at the civic table, immediate respectability and, given that many papers were near-monopolies, a press practically capable of printing money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Practically everyone alive capable of using a cellphone remembers when we didn't have them.

The New York Times

This new structure, with the absence of autocorrelation noise that covers some of the details of the sample under test in OCT setups, is capable practically of attaining images with higher resolution.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

That people numbed by the poison of a society based solely on money, fame and beauty are capable of practically anything?

The New York Times - Books

While devices like the Kindle, the Apple iPhone and the Sony Reader get much of the attention, practically any electronic device capable of displaying a few lines of text can be adapted as a reader.

The New York Times - Tech

The resulting controllers are decentralized and capable of practically eliminating the cross-coupling.

Mechatronics

Through anonymised case histories, O'Sullivan shows how the mind is capable of reproducing practically any physical symptom, from palpitations to blindness or paralysis.

The Guardian - Books

Since January, he has shown he is capable of attacking practically anybody: foe or ally, Democrat or Republican, black or white.

The New Yorker

Wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical network (WDM PON) has long been considered as an ultimate solution for the future optical access network capable of providing practically unlimited bandwidth to each subscriber.

Optical Fiber Telecommunications Systems and Networks

But folks, fear not, it's another day, another reminder that we're capable of embracing practically medical-grade amnesia when it comes to the histories of abusive men.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the functionality of a system or device, use "practically capable" to indicate that it can perform a function under most, but not necessarily all, circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "practically capable" when the subject is definitively and consistently able to perform the action. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "fully capable" or "completely able" if the capability is absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically capable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a degree of ability or competence that is effective in most situations, though not necessarily all. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig show it describing systems, devices, and even people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically capable" is a useful adjective phrase to describe something or someone that is mostly, but not completely, able to perform a certain task. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While it's not as strong as "fully capable", it offers a realistic assessment of ability, acknowledging potential limitations. It sees fairly consistent use in both journalistic and scientific contexts. Remember to avoid using "practically capable" when a stronger, more definitive term is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually able

Emphasizes the effectiveness of the ability in almost all situations.

effectively competent

Highlights the efficiency and skill in achieving a desired outcome.

almost proficient

Suggests a high level of skill, nearing full proficiency.

functionally adequate

Indicates that the ability is sufficient for the task at hand.

near enough skilled

Highlights an approximation of ability, implying a slight deficiency.

realistically empowered

Focuses on the realistic potential and authority to perform a task.

potentially effective

Stresses the latent capacity for achieving a certain result.

serviceably adept

Denotes a useful and skilled capability, suitable for service.

workably efficient

Focuses on the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the ability.

usefully talented

Highlights the beneficial and skillful nature of the capability.

FAQs

How can I use "practically capable" in a sentence?

You can use "practically capable" to describe something or someone that has the ability to perform a task or function, though perhaps not perfectly or in every situation. For example, "The software is "virtually able" to handle most of our data processing needs".

What are some alternatives to "practically capable"?

Alternatives include "virtually able", "effectively competent", or "almost proficient", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "practically capable" and "fully capable"?

"Practically capable" suggests a capability that works in most situations, while "fully capable" implies a complete and consistent ability in all circumstances. Use "practically capable" when there might be limitations or exceptions.

When should I not use the phrase "practically capable"?

Avoid using "practically capable" if you want to emphasize a complete and consistent ability without any limitations. In such cases, phrases like "fully capable" or "completely able" are more appropriate.