to be practical

USAGE SUMMARY

It is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking a practical course of action or to describe something that has been tailored to a real-world situation. For example: "We need to be practical and look at the most cost-effective solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You have to be practical.

The New York Times

We just have to be practical".

The New York Times

"We have to be practical.

The Guardian

"You have to be practical," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

You've got to be practical about this.

The Guardian

We have to be practical about this.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You have to be practical about everything".

The New York Times

"We have to be practical," Kenny said.

The New York Times

But we had to be practical.

The New York Times - Arts

The interiors were designed to be practical and durable.

The New York Times

"We were encouraged to be practical above everything," Munro explains.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to specify the action instead of general phrases like "to be practical". For example, specify "streamline", "optimize", or "implement".

Common error

Avoid using "to be practical" as a vague suggestion. Instead, provide concrete details about what practical steps should be taken. For example, instead of saying "We need to be practical", specify "We need to streamline the budget by 15%" or "We need to optimize resource allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be practical" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb or an adjective. It describes a state of being that prioritizes feasibility and effective action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be practical" is a versatile phrase used to advocate for realistic and actionable solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about what makes an action or solution practical in the given context. Consider alternatives like "to be realistic" or "to be pragmatic" for nuanced emphasis. Avoiding vagueness and providing concrete steps will enhance clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be realistic

Focuses more on aligning with reality and less on direct action.

to be pragmatic

Emphasizes problem-solving based on practical considerations rather than theory.

to be sensible

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment in decision-making.

to be down-to-earth

Suggests a grounded and unpretentious approach.

to be efficient

Focuses on achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

to be workable

Highlights whether something is capable of being done successfully.

to be feasible

Emphasizes the possibility of doing something easily or conveniently.

to be hands-on

Stresses direct involvement and active participation.

to be applied

Emphasizes the use of knowledge and theories in a practical way.

to use common sense

Stresses sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.

FAQs

How can I use "to be practical" in a sentence?

You can use "to be practical" to suggest a realistic or pragmatic approach, such as: "We need "to be practical" and focus on solutions that are achievable with our current resources."

What's the difference between "to be practical" and "to be realistic"?

"To be practical" emphasizes actionable steps and feasibility, while "to be realistic" focuses more on aligning with current conditions and expectations. You can use "to be practical" when you need solutions that can be implemented effectively.

Which is better, "to be practical" or "to be pragmatic"?

Both "to be practical" and "to be pragmatic" suggest a focus on effective solutions, but "to be pragmatic" often implies a more problem-solving approach based on real-world considerations, while "to be practical" simply means that it is possible to be done or achieved. They're often interchangeable but carry slightly different nuances.

What are some alternatives to "to be practical" in project management?

In project management, you can use alternatives like "to be efficient", "to be workable", or "to be feasible" to emphasize actionable and achievable outcomes.