we practically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we practically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost true or very close to being true, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After months of preparation, we practically finished the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We practically couldn't come here".

The New York Times - Magazine

We practically have no state".

The New York Times

We practically pushed her in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We practically doubled in size each year".

The New York Times

For those years, we practically lived together.

The New York Times

Putin: "We practically don't see each other.

The New Yorker

We practically give everything else away anyhow.

The New York Times - Arts

During these pauses, we practically stood up in our seats.

The New Yorker

"We practically dominate the place during the climbing season".

The New York Times - Sports

"As children, we practically lived in the place," Garvey explained.

The Guardian

"We practically did not speak," Mr. Alemañy recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we practically", consider the specific context. It's suitable for situations where you want to emphasize the degree of approximation or near-completion rather than absolute achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "we practically" when the action was definitively completed. Using "we practically finished" when the project is fully done weakens the statement; instead, use "we finished".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we practically" functions as an intensifier or qualifier, modifying a verb to indicate that an action or state is very close to being realized or achieved. As Ludwig AI shows, this often conveys a sense of near-completion or strong approximation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we practically" functions as an intensifier, indicating that an action or state is very close to being realized. As evidenced by numerous examples from Ludwig, it is commonly used in news and media, with acceptable application in science, formal and business settings. Ludwig AI ensures that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. While "we practically" effectively conveys a sense of near-completion, it’s crucial to avoid overstating the degree of completion and consider more precise language in formal contexts. Alternative phrases like "we almost" or "we virtually" can provide similar meanings, while offering slightly different nuances. The phrase enjoys widespread use across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we almost

This alternative is a more direct synonym, indicating nearness to a completed action or state.

we virtually

This suggests that something is true in effect, if not in reality.

we nearly

Similar to 'almost', this emphasizes the closeness to a particular outcome.

we essentially

This implies that something is fundamentally or basically true.

we basically

Highlights the fundamental or underlying truth of a situation.

we effectively

Indicates that something achieves the desired result, even if not explicitly.

we, in effect

Emphasizes the actual consequence or result of an action.

we came close to

This phrase specifies that we approached a certain outcome.

we approached

This phrase highlights that a certain task or achievement almost happen.

we approximated

This means that what we did it´s not the real/perfect action but works almost as a proxy for it.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we practically" suggests something is almost or virtually true. For example, "After working non-stop, "we practically lived at the office"" indicates spending a significant amount of time there.

What's the difference between "we practically" and "we almost"?

"We practically" implies a strong likelihood or near-completion, while "we almost" focuses more on the potential for something to have happened. "We practically won" suggests dominance, whereas "we almost won" highlights a near miss.

What are some alternatives to "we practically"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "we essentially", "we virtually", or "we nearly" to convey a similar meaning of approximation or near-completion.

Is it okay to use "we practically" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "we practically" leans towards informal or neutral registers. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "we essentially" or "we effectively" to maintain a professional tone.