technically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is true in a strict or formal sense, even if it may not be true in a practical or general sense. Example: "Technically, the project is on schedule, but we still have a lot of work to do to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technically, yes.

The New York Times

Technically, it should be absolutely impossible for two cars to enter the same block, which is down to sensors run by a computer.

The Guardian

However technically impressive it might be, 3D technology is no substitute for a good story.

The Guardian - Film

Her retirement is another step in the right (or, technically, left) direction for Minnesota's progressives, who are on something of a roll lately with the defeat of a voter ID law and the passage of marriage equality legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another is the classic thing that gets thrown at Labour politicians, which is: "How can you talk about all these social things when you're from a privileged background?" Although I have a number of sort of red flags on my background that would technically make it unprivileged.

The Guardian

Cesare Prandelli has stated the belief that his team will need athletes, more than technically gifted ball-players, to succeed in hot and humid conditions in Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

The documents handed over to HMRC allegedly show how Google's London sales staff would negotiate and sign contracts with British customers, and cash was paid into a UK bank account, but the deals were technically booked through its Dublin office to minimise its liabilities here.

The Guardian - Tech

The torrent technology wasn't easy to master, a good ratio was difficult to maintain, the forum moderators were Nazis, and uploading even a single byte of data to the site technically constituted a felony-level conspiracy.

The Guardian - Books

It is technically feasible for Google to make Gmail into a system that is truly secure and secret, though not anonymous, for its users.

The Guardian - Tech

It is easy to see why both love him: Hollywood because he is 'box-office' and a technically accomplished actor; the punters because he plays recognisably 'normal' characters.

The Guardian - Film

But times have changed: stage lighting is so technically advanced as to render extensive stage make-up redundant, and actors are now limited to parts for which they look right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "technically" to introduce a statement that is true according to a specific definition, rule, or standard, even if it seems counterintuitive or doesn't align with common understanding. This can add precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "technically" excessively, especially when it doesn't add significant value to the sentence. Overuse can make your writing sound pedantic or condescending. Ensure it clarifies or refines the statement rather than merely stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "technically" is that of an adverb. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that a statement is true according to a specific set of rules, laws, or definitions, but may not be entirely true in a practical or general sense, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "technically" functions as an adverb to introduce a statement that aligns with specific rules or definitions, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and very common across varied writing contexts, it is essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding pedantic. Common scenarios include introducing a sense of precision, clarifying a situation based on specific criteria, or highlighting the difference between formal and practical truths. News & Media and Formal & Business writing are typical environments where you might find "technically" being used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly speaking

Emphasizes adherence to a precise interpretation of facts or rules, offering a more explicit tone.

in a strict sense

Highlights the precise and narrow interpretation of a statement or situation, adding a formal tone.

formally

Indicates compliance with established conventions or procedures, focusing on official correctness.

according to the rules

Stresses conformity to specific regulations or guidelines, shifting the focus to the governing principles.

by the letter of the law

Underscores rigid adherence to legal stipulations, emphasizing the literal interpretation of rules.

in principle

Refers to a theoretical or ideal situation, rather than practical reality, diminishing the emphasis on specific rules.

theoretically

Highlights a possibility based on abstract reasoning, moving away from concrete facts.

in a technical capacity

Specifies actions or roles related to specialized expertise or skills, shifting focus to professional competence.

from a logistical standpoint

Emphasizes a perspective focused on organization and coordination, moving away from pure factual accuracy.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates a practical equivalence, even if not strictly accurate, moving towards functional rather than literal truth.

FAQs

How can I use "technically" in a sentence?

Use "technically" to introduce a statement that is true according to a specific set of rules, laws, or definitions, even if it might not seem true in a practical or general sense. For example, "Technically, it isn't free – I bought a coffee yesterday."

What's the difference between "technically" and "formally"?

"Technically" often refers to accuracy based on a specific definition or rule, while "formally" implies adherence to established procedures or conventions. You might say, "Formally the meeting is over, but we still have some things to discuss," suggesting the procedure is complete, but the work isn't. "Technically the meeting is over" can be confusing.

What can I say instead of "technically"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strictly speaking", "in a strict sense", or "formally" to convey a similar meaning of precision or adherence to rules.

Is it always appropriate to use "technically" in formal writing?

While "technically" is generally acceptable in formal writing, be mindful of its potential to sound pedantic. Ensure it adds clarity and precision rather than stating the obvious. In some cases, a more direct or less nuanced word may be preferable.