when practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when practicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done when it is feasible or possible to do so. Example: "We will implement the new policy when practicable to ensure a smooth transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

General guidance

Science

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The law would require the police "when practicable" to detain people they reasonably suspected were in the country without authorization.

The New York Times

It requires police officers, "when practicable," to detain people they reasonably suspect are in the country without authorization and to verify their status with federal officials, unless doing so would hinder an investigation or emergency medical treatment.

The New York Times

In an important opinion in United States v. Rabinowitz (1950), Minton reversed a lower-court ruling that search warrants must be procured when "practicable," declaring that the Fourth Amendment prohibited only "unreasonable searches".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United States Sanitary Commission, a voluntary relief organization that raised funds and supplies for the Union Army, recommended that "when practicable, amusements, sports, and gymnastic exercises should be favored amongst the men".

The New York Times

The law — barring expected legal challenges before it takes effect this summer — also gives the local police broad powers to check documentation "when practicable" of anyone they reasonably suspect is an illegal immigrant.

The New York Times

The bill makes it a state crime for immigrants not to carry authorization papers, requires the police "when practicable" to check the immigration status of people they reasonably suspect are in the country illegally and allows people to sue cities and counties if the law is not being enforced.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This however is not experimentally practicable when mechanisms of MEC behaviour are studied in isolation, or when suitable markers are not available to distinguish between the cell types allowing the unambiguous identification of the epithelial cells within the culture model [43].

Plosone

He said the new guidance should be applied to those cases if practicable when there was a "substantial likelihood" that it would make more material public.

The New York Times

But giving people more knowledge without the power to exploit it could still be alarming.To be fair, Mr Milburn says he intends to give the public the vital information it needs, and the power to act on it, when it is practicable.

The Economist

In fact, the Arizona law actually reduces the likelihood of race-based harassment by compelling police officers to contact the federal government as soon as is practicable when they suspect a person is an illegal alien, as opposed to letting them make arrests on their own assessment.

The New York Times

This mode would be most practicable when SR processing can be done in real time at the sensor.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when practicable" to add a layer of flexibility to a rule or guideline, indicating that it should be followed unless there's a valid reason not to. This can prevent the guideline from being seen as overly rigid.

Common error

Avoid using "when practicable" excessively, as it can weaken the impact of your instructions and make them seem noncommittal. Be sure to use it only when there is a genuine possibility that the instruction may not be feasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when practicable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the circumstances under which an action is to be carried out. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in legal and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Wiki

11.11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11.11%

Formal & Business

11.11%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when practicable" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating that an action should be performed if feasible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase adds flexibility to rules and guidelines, acknowledging potential real-world limitations. While primarily found in news, science, and legal contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for formal and professional writing. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid weakening the impact of your instructions. Consider using synonyms such as "when feasible" or "when possible" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when feasible

Direct synonym, indicating possibility and convenience.

when possible

Highlights the condition of being achievable or attainable.

where feasible

Similar to "when feasible" but specifies the place or situation in which something must be practical.

where possible

Similar to "when possible" but highlights that something can happen in that specific place.

if feasible

Emphasizes a condition where an action depends on practicality.

if possible

Directly addresses the potential for something to occur.

as far as practicable

Emphasizes completing something to the greatest extent possible.

to the extent practicable

Indicates the degree to which something is realistic or achievable.

when it is practical

Adds additional explanation and focuses on practicality over possibility.

when circumstances allow

Highlights the external environment as a determinant of action.

FAQs

How can I use "when practicable" in a sentence?

Use "when practicable" to indicate that something should be done if it is feasible or possible. For example, "The company will implement the new safety measures "when practicable"" means the measures will be adopted unless there is a valid reason preventing it.

What does "when practicable" mean?

"When practicable" means "when it is feasible or possible". It suggests a course of action should be followed unless circumstances make it difficult or impossible to do so.

What are some alternatives to "when practicable"?

Alternatives to "when practicable" include "when feasible", "when possible", or "if possible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "when practicable" formal or informal?

"When practicable" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, legal, and academic writing. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "when possible" might be preferred.