pragmatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pragmatically" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe actions taken with a practical mindset, with the primary focus being on achieving success rather than on following convention or tradition. For example, "The board adopted a pragmatic approach when making their decisions in order to maximize efficiency and minimize costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In literature, they can be dismissably bad – trampy, vampy, bitchy types – but there's still a big push back against the idea that women can be just pragmatically evil, bad and selfish.

The Guardian - Film

Pragmatically, they believed it would be ineffective.

The Guardian - Opinion

It worked in the crisis, to which she reacted pragmatically and flexibly.

The Economist

But now firms such as Macy's, Wal-Mart and CVS drugstores are linking their offline operations into a new and forceful presence on the web.By blending the best of both offline and online worlds, they can reflect the desire of consumers to shop pragmatically.

The Economist

The Economist attempted to answer the question more pragmatically back in 1992:Can efficient-market theory and evidence of inefficiency be reconciled?

The Economist

He had wanted to appoint to the key post of shadow treasurer Julia Gillard, a feisty figure of the left, but pragmatically (and probably wisely) caved in to opposition from the right.

The Economist

If anything summed up this unscientific sample it was disappointment with both candidates, and a strong desire to see politicians in Washington work pragmatically on getting stuff done.A final note.

The Economist

(In 2004, it was ranked 170th out of 177).In this section A taste of democracy Star of Africa Now get drafting Now stop bickering The suffocating limits of reform A Shia shadow Reprints Related items Eritrea: Whispers of a new warApr 21st 2005 Ethiopia: People aren't cattleJul 15th 2004Under Meles Zenawi, who toppled the Derg and now rules pragmatically as prime minister, Ethiopia is doing better.

The Economist

Patients are also promised telephones, televisions and menus "designed by leading chefs".Labour's traditional ideological distaste for private medicine, much in evidence until Mr Milburn took over from Frank Dobson as health secretary, has been pragmatically downgraded.

The Economist

More pragmatically, index-tracking investors may have little choice but to hold them.The second is whether banks can juice their returns by managing costs better.

The Economist

He started well, making shrewd appointments, steering pragmatically down the middle of the road, and assuring everyone he would uphold the constitution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding among alternatives actions, consider using “pragmatically” when you have a situation where theory and practice diverge.

Common error

While "pragmatically" is generally acceptable, overuse can make writing sound overly cautious or lacking in conviction. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "pragmatically" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating that an action is performed in a practical and realistic manner, focused on achieving tangible results. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct. Examples show it modifying actions related to decision-making, adaptation, and problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pragmatically" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions taken with a practical, results-oriented mindset. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically sound, and the examples provided by Ludwig showcase its prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that "pragmatically" emphasizes practicality and effectiveness, and while it's generally acceptable, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "realistically" or "practically" can add nuance. This word choice reflects a focused intention on what works best in a real-world context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically

Highlights the concern for usefulness and effectiveness in real-world applications, often in contrast to theoretical considerations.

realistically

Emphasizes a focus on what is possible and achievable in a given situation, rather than just what is theoretically ideal.

effectively

Concentrates on achieving a desired outcome successfully, with less emphasis on the methods used.

rationally

Stresses the use of logic and reason in decision-making.

sensibly

Implies making decisions based on good judgment and reason, often to avoid negative consequences.

functionally

Relates to how well something performs its intended purpose, with emphasis on its utility.

expediently

Suggests prioritizing efficiency and convenience, sometimes at the expense of other considerations.

efficiently

Focuses on maximizing output with minimal waste or effort.

judiciously

Highlights the careful and thoughtful application of resources or actions.

methodically

Indicates a structured and systematic approach to achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "pragmatically" in a sentence?

"Pragmatically" is an adverb that describes doing something in a practical and realistic way. For example, "The company pragmatically adjusted its strategy to adapt to market changes."

What are some synonyms for "pragmatically"?

Alternatives to "pragmatically" include "realistically", "practically", and "effectively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to approach a problem "pragmatically" or theoretically?

A pragmatic approach prioritizes real-world results and practicality, while a theoretical approach focuses on abstract principles and ideas. The best approach depends on the specific problem and goals. Often, a combination of both is ideal.

When is it appropriate to use "pragmatically" in writing?

Use "pragmatically" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision is based on practical considerations rather than abstract ideals. It's suitable for business, news, and general writing.