practically useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'practically useful' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is practically or almost useful, or in other words, almost but not entirely beneficial or effective. For example, "This new product is practically useful, but it's not quite as efficient as we had hoped it would be."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The application of the results for the design and development of a practically useful charcoal bed is discussed.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

In particular, as a practically useful approach, θ and α can both be determined using a deepest slope method.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A more rigorous test may prove more practically useful.

MIT Technology Review

Therefore, this technique is practically useful during routine postmortem examinations.

Nature

Whether the structure could ever become practically useful remains an intriguing though less-than-revolutionary question.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't particularly care that physics is practically useful for an engineer or an architect.

The New Yorker

Can we develop new procedures that are both theoretically optimal and practically useful?

University of California, Berkeley

Results from these two examples demonstrate that the proposed method is theoretically sound and practically useful.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

This was practically useful because the overdose of H2O2 would cause the process retardation.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

General paediatricians considered the "Medication" pages and "Epilepsy Management Documents" as practically useful.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience

This composite cantilever structure was practically useful as micro electronic fan and large-angle scanner.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "practically useful" with quantifiable metrics to add credibility. Instead of saying a method is "practically useful", specify how much time or resources it saves.

Common error

Avoid using "practically useful" as a vague claim without providing concrete examples or data to support the assertion. Always substantiate the usefulness with specific details or measurable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically useful" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to describe something that is beneficial or effective in a real-world context, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically useful" is a frequently used adjective phrase to underscore the real-world applicability and benefits of something. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is not just theoretical but has tangible value. This phrase appears across various contexts, including science, news, academia, and business. When using "practically useful", ensure you provide concrete examples or data to support your assertion and avoid overstating its usefulness without evidence. Some related phrases are "effectively applicable" and "realistically advantageous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functionally valuable

Stresses the worth of something based on its practical purpose.

demonstrably effective

Stresses the proven success of something.

realistically advantageous

Highlights the achievable and favorable aspects of something.

truly pragmatic

Highlights practicality as the main benefit.

effectively applicable

Focuses on the successful implementation and relevance of something.

tangibly helpful

Implies that the help provided is concrete and easily perceived.

serviceably applicable

Emphasizes the functional application of something.

virtually beneficial

Emphasizes the benefit is near, although maybe not totally complete.

expediently usable

Focuses on the convenience and ease of use.

genuinely worthwhile

Highlights that the value is real and important.

FAQs

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

You can use "practically useful" to describe something that has real-world applications and benefits, such as "This tool is "practically useful" for solving complex problems".

What is a synonym for "practically useful"?

Synonyms for "practically useful" include "effectively applicable", "functionally valuable", and "realistically advantageous".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "practically useful"?

It's appropriate to use "practically useful" when you want to emphasize the real-world benefits and applications of something, as opposed to its theoretical or abstract qualities.

Is there a difference between "practically useful" and "theoretically useful"?

Yes, "practically useful" means something is effective in real-world situations, while "theoretically useful" suggests it might be helpful in theory but hasn't necessarily been proven in practice.