reasonably practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably practicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to safety, law, or regulations to indicate that something should be done if it is feasible and sensible to do so. Example: "The company must ensure that all safety measures are reasonably practicable to protect its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The administrator plans to begin returning money to British customers "as soon as reasonably practicable".

The New York Times

The bill authorises agencies to compel "telecommunications providers" to assist them in effecting a hacking warrant, unless "not reasonably practicable".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Thereafter he will release the bodies to the families for burial or cremation as soon as is reasonably practicable.

The Guardian

The charges will be referred to a judicial commissioner for adjudication to "hold a hearing as soon as reasonably practicable".

The Guardian - Sport

The HSE says it is committed to improving safety by closing or upgrading level crossings "where this is reasonably practicable".

The Guardian

However, employers are not to be held to the full requirements for consultation in special circumstances which render it not reasonably practicable for the employer to comply.

The Guardian - Business

Draft guidance issued by ministers in May says councils must "as far as is reasonably practicable" offer accommodation for homeless families within the borough.

The Guardian

In its judgment, the supreme court stressed that local authorities had a statutory duty to provide accommodation in their own area "so far as reasonably practicable".

The Guardian

This is where the root of the problem lies, as people no longer seem able to apply common sense to determine what is reasonably practicable.

The Guardian

Upon delivery, you must examine the Vouchers and give written notice to us of any damage, defect or shortage as soon as reasonably practicable.

The Guardian

The law is already clear that local authorities must secure accommodation within their own borough so far as reasonably practicable, and new rules will reinforce this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "reasonably practicable" with a specific action or outcome to give context and avoid vagueness. For example, 'implement safety measures that are reasonably practicable'.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably practicable" to suggest that all possible measures have been taken when only feasible and sensible actions were considered. Be specific about what actions were deemed "reasonably practicable".

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "reasonably practicable" functions as an adjective, describing the extent to which something is feasible or achievable. Ludwig AI shows it is frequently used to qualify actions, measures, or steps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonably practicable" is a commonly used term, especially in legal, safety, and technical contexts, to denote actions or measures that are feasible and sensible given the circumstances. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, frequently used, and has a formal register. Related phrases like "reasonably feasible" or "practically attainable" offer similar meanings but slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity are key to avoiding ambiguity. Ludwig AI offers examples from authoritative sources such as The Guardian and BBC which highlight its widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably feasible

Expresses a similar level of possibility and practicality, but "feasible" focuses more on the possibility of being done successfully.

reasonably doable

Indicates something is capable of being done with a reasonable amount of effort.

reasonably achievable

Implies that something can be reached or attained with reasonable effort and resources.

realistically possible

Emphasizes the realistic chances of something happening or being implemented.

practically attainable

Highlights the practical aspects of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

workably achievable

Focuses on the work needed to achieve something and whether it is workable.

effectively implementable

Stresses the ease and effectiveness of putting something into practice.

sensibly executable

Suggests the action is not just possible, but also makes sense to execute.

logically actionable

Indicates that the action is logical and can be reasonably acted upon.

viably performable

Emphasizes that something can be performed in a viable or sustainable manner.

FAQs

How is "reasonably practicable" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "reasonably practicable" typically refers to a balance between the level of risk and the resources needed to mitigate that risk. It implies that measures should be taken to reduce risk unless the cost or effort is disproportionately high compared to the benefit.

What's a simpler way to say "reasonably practicable"?

Alternatives include "reasonably feasible", "realistically possible", or "practically attainable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does ALARP mean in relation to "reasonably practicable"?

ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) is a term commonly used in risk management. It means reducing a risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. This involves balancing the cost and effort of further risk reduction against the benefits gained.

Can "reasonably practicable" be subjective?

Yes, determining what is "reasonably practicable" can involve a degree of subjectivity, as it requires judgment about what is feasible and sensible in a particular situation. This is why clear documentation of risk assessments and decision-making processes is essential.