practically safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically safe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost or nearly safe, suggesting a high level of safety with minor exceptions. Example: "While the machinery has some risks, it is practically safe for everyday use in the factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adult stem cells from autologous origin are a practically safe and appealing source for cell-based regenerative therapies that may hold realistic clinical potential.

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For those dispossessed by war or persecution, there is practically no safe and legal means to apply for asylum.

Independent

"Sidewalks are, constitutionally and practically, a safe haven for peaceable protest and political association, a space upon which people may engage others in free speech, in collective action," she wrote in the complaint.

The New York Times

The furniture is practically designed, safe -- and lots of toys await the children.

Huffington Post

Practically, to ensure safe operation of the ORC expander, the R245fa superheat at the expander inlet is controlled to remain constant.

Energy Procedia

The search speed will increase proportionally with the product of both control parameters, so it is practically limited for safe reasons.

Applied Energy

Undergoing a colonoscopy every five years, three, if there is a family history, is practically a fail-safe guarantee against the disease.

The New York Times - Health

In the very short term, demand remains a problem, and markets are practically begging for more safe debt to hold.

The Economist

So, as with many agents found in nature or synthesized in a lab, resveratrol is probably only helpful in doses higher than can practically be consumed (and safe in doses that have not yet been determined).

Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the literature reports that the substances with LD50 higher than 5 g/kg b.w., by oral route are regarded as being safe or practically non-toxic [ 19].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

According to the study by Kennedy et al. [ 22] substances with LD50 values higher than 5000 mg/kg by oral route are regarded as being safe or practically nontoxic.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "practically safe", ensure you're accurately representing the level of safety. This term implies a high degree of safety, but not absolute security. Be precise in your assessment to avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "practically safe" when there are significant or known risks involved. The phrase suggests a near absence of danger, so using it in contexts where risks are present can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically safe" functions as a modifier, specifically as an adjective phrase. It describes a noun by indicating a state of near or virtual safety. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practically safe" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something with a high degree of safety, though not absolute security. According to Ludwig, it's often found in Science and News & Media contexts, suggesting it bridges professional and general audiences. When using this phrase, be precise in representing the actual level of safety to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives like "almost secure" or "virtually harmless" can offer nuanced meaning, which can be found through Ludwig's search.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost secure

Implies a near-certain level of security, differing slightly in emphasis.

essentially secure

Suggests that the security measures in place are effective to a high degree.

virtually harmless

Focuses on the absence of harm rather than the presence of safety, but conveys a similar level of risk mitigation.

nearly risk-free

Highlights the minimal level of risk involved, offering a quantitative perspective.

largely protected

Emphasizes the protective aspect, indicating that something is mostly shielded from danger.

effectively guarded

Highlights the effectiveness of the measures in place. Focusing on the guarding aspect.

reasonably secure

Implies that the level of security is adequate under normal circumstances.

for the most part safe

Acknowledges that there might be exceptions, but the overall condition is safe.

close to secure

Emphasizes the closeness to complete security. It's less emphatic than others.

comparatively safe

It indicates a comparison with something else that is less safe.

FAQs

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

You can use "practically safe" to describe situations or objects that have a very low risk of causing harm. For example: "The new playground equipment is "practically safe" for children of all ages."

What are some alternatives to saying "practically safe"?

Alternatives include "almost secure", "virtually harmless", or "nearly risk-free". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "almost completely safe" instead of "practically safe"?

While "almost completely safe" isn't necessarily incorrect, "practically safe" is more concise and conveys a similar meaning. The choice depends on your desired level of emphasis.

What's the difference between "practically safe" and "completely safe"?

"Completely safe" implies a guarantee of no risk, whereas "practically safe" suggests that any remaining risks are minimal and highly unlikely to cause harm. The difference is in the degree of certainty.