practically drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost or nearly capable of driving or functioning in a driving capacity, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "With the new software update, the car can practically drive itself in certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Drivers would think their Humvees could practically drive through a lake, until the day they literally tried to drive through a lake — necessitating extrication by a military bulldozer.

The New York Times

That was good news for Binkley: by one route, he can practically drive through Knoxville on visits to his mother, who, in her nineties, still lives in Binkley's home town of Jasper, Indiana.

The New Yorker

And while it lacks amenities like airport clubs, said David Thompson, the chief information officer at PeopleSoft in Pleasanton, 20 miles east of Oakland, "You can practically drive to your gate, so it is a short walk to your flight".

The New York Times

While the F.A.A. recently adopted a rule requiring operators of midsize and larger private jets to develop procedures to more thoroughly screen passengers and baggage, corporate jets typically are boarded at private terminals where passengers can practically drive up to the steps of the airplane.

The New York Times

"It used to be that you could practically drive an IRC [ International Red Cross truck through a firefight and nobody would shoot at you," he told me.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Rodgers practically drove Carroll out of Anfield.

The New York Times - Sports

Practically driven to extinction by a bull market run, they should be reveling now that many of the stocks they long considered overvalued have fallen sharply.

The New York Times

In contrast to my mother's late-model Buick, which practically drove itself, it felt almost like a bicycle, my preferred post-Honda mode of travel.

The New York Times

MS. MUNK I had one of my sources who told me he was listening to the radio on his way into work that morning when the deal was announced and he practically drove off the road.

The New York Times

I've even seen a strange car that practically drives itself down the 101.

TechCrunch

A hybrid stepper motor (HSM) can be practically driven by open-loop control, however, it is definitely not enough for the increasing demands on precision control in wide industry applications.

Mechatronics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically drive" to emphasize a near-complete capability or ease of operation. It adds a nuanced layer beyond simply stating that something can drive.

Common error

Avoid using "practically drive" if the subject's driving capability is only theoretical or marginal. Ensure it accurately reflects a high degree of functional driving ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically drive" functions as an adverb-verb construction, modifying the verb "drive" to indicate the extent or manner of the action. It suggests that the subject is nearly or almost capable of driving, often in a figurative sense, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically drive" is a grammatically sound phrase that implies near-complete capability or ease of operation, as supported by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news to science, with a neutral register. Related phrases include "almost drive" and "virtually drive", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a high degree of functional driving ability to avoid overstating the subject's capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost drive

Replaces "practically" with a more direct synonym, indicating a near-certainty or capability.

virtually drive

Emphasizes the functional equivalence to driving, even if not literally.

nearly drive

Similar to "almost drive", but may imply a slightly lower degree of certainty.

essentially drive

Focuses on the core function of driving being fulfilled.

effectively drive

Highlights the successful outcome or impact of driving.

easily drive

Implies that the action of driving is performed without difficulty.

drive with ease

Rephrases to emphasize the lack of difficulty in driving.

drive without difficulty

Explicitly states the absence of challenges in driving.

handle the driving

Shifts focus to the management or control aspect of driving.

manage to drive

Indicates an ability to drive despite potential obstacles.

FAQs

What does "practically drive" mean?

The phrase "practically drive" suggests something is very close to being able to drive or function as a driver, even if not in a literal sense. It implies near-complete capability.

Are there alternatives to using "practically drive"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "almost drive", "virtually drive", or "nearly drive" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "practically drive" grammatically correct?

Yes, "practically drive" is grammatically correct and understandable in English. It follows standard adverb-verb construction.

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

You can use "practically drive" to describe a situation where something behaves very much like it's driving, for example, "With the new update, the car can "practically drive" itself on the highway".