where practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

* Where practicable, captured personnel subjected to sight deprivation or hearing deprivation should be told why.

Independent

Where practicable, options for telephonic or virtual attendance will be made available.

Columbia University

include incentive-based partnership approaches regarding subparagraphs (A) and (B) where practicable.

Cornell University

In such instances, the Dean shall where practicable act within a week of receiving the request.

Yale University

Power is provided from public electricity supplies (where practicable), with backup provided by diesel generators or storage batteries.

Britannica

If the alien is unable to speak or understand English, an interpreter should be employed where practicable.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

For dentists, this has meant switching to a safer sharp system, where reasonably practicable to do so.

Nature

A London Councils spokesperson said: "Boroughs aim to keep households as near as possible to their home borough where reasonably practicable.

Independent

In some cases, for example, removing ash leaf litter is likely to reduce sporulation and reinfection, but this will be effective perhaps only for the highest value (e.g. landscape, recreation, biodiversity) sites where this is practicable.

The Guardian

Scarcity of water has been a serious obstacle to agricultural development in the state except in districts where irrigation is practicable; cotton and beans are the main crops, and apples and nuts are also significant products.

Britannica

It is a road junction for northeast Shaanxi and was a strategic town in historical times, being located near the border between the part of Shaanxi where agriculture is practicable and the arid lands to the north that merge into the Ordos Plateau.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "where practicable" to indicate that an action should be taken if it's reasonable and efficient in the given situation. This helps convey a sense of flexibility and adaptation to real-world constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "where practicable" as a blanket statement without specifying the conditions that make it practicable or not. Always provide enough context to clarify when and how the action is feasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where practicable" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition of feasibility or practicality. Ludwig shows that it commonly introduces a clause specifying when an action should be taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

43%

News & Media

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "where practicable" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a condition of feasibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily in academic, news, and scientific domains. It suggests that an action should be pursued if it is both possible and reasonable. When writing, it's beneficial to use this phrase to introduce flexibility while being specific about the conditions that determine its feasibility. Alternatives such as "if possible" or "where feasible" can be considered based on the desired nuance and level of formality. Though common, avoid overuse without clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where feasible

Replaces "practicable" with "feasible", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different nuance regarding ease of implementation.

if possible

Offers a more general alternative, focusing on the possibility rather than the practicality of an action.

when possible

Similar to "if possible", but emphasizes the timing or occasion when something might be done.

to the extent feasible

Adds a degree of limitation, suggesting that the action should be performed as much as it is realistically possible.

as far as possible

Indicates that something should be done to the greatest degree that circumstances allow.

where it is viable

Replaces "practicable" with "viable", focusing on the ability of something to succeed or work.

if it is achievable

Shifts the focus to whether something can be successfully accomplished.

subject to practicality

Highlights that implementation depends on practical considerations.

contingent on feasibility

Emphasizes that the action is dependent on whether it is feasible.

depending on circumstances

Suggests that actions will be determined by the specific conditions at hand.

FAQs

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

The phrase "where practicable" is used to indicate that something should be done if it is feasible or possible. For example: "We will implement the new policy "where practicable" to ensure a smooth transition."

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

Alternatives to "where practicable" include "if possible", "when possible", or "where feasible", depending on the context.

Is "where practicable" formal or informal?

"Where practicable" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. In more casual settings, "if possible" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "where practicable" and "where possible"?

While both phrases convey the idea of something being done subject to certain conditions, "where practicable" implies a focus on feasibility and efficiency, whereas "where possible" simply refers to whether something is capable of being done at all. Therefore, "where practicable" adds a layer of reasonableness compared to the plain "where possible".