which in practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"which in practice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when discussing the actual application or implementation of something, as opposed to just the theoretical concept. Example: "The new company policy, which in practice was meant to increase productivity, ended up causing more confusion among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plane itself was also digitally modified, adding a nose mounted gun which in practice could have stalled the engine with its recoil.

Wikipedia

Which in practice means?

The Guardian - Music

Which in practice means deciding which questions are most important and finding the answers.

The Guardian

It would have to get them to agree to close up shop, which in practice would mean buying them out.

The New Yorker

In South Africa, premeditated murder carries a life sentence, which in practice turns out usually to be twenty-five years.

The New Yorker

Utilities now operate under voluntary guidelines developed by the reliability council, which in practice means no one has to comply.

The New York Times

President Bush is seeking $135 million for "abstinence only" sex education, which in practice often replaces teaching about contraception.

The New York Times

Ms. Plunkett plays Lynette as annoyingly flaky, which in practice somehow made the character's unpredictability all the more believable.

The New York Times

He no longer pays lip-service to the separation of powers, which in practice disappeared some time ago.

The Economist

Three other men -- Salman Saqib, Fahad Naseem and Shaikh Adil -- were sentenced to life in prison, which in practice usually means 25 years behind bars.

The New York Times

Foreign workers on residence permits must be "sponsored" – a benign-sounding word which in practice means they are tied to one employer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which in practice" to clarify how a theoretical concept or rule actually functions in real-world scenarios, especially when there's a difference between theory and implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "which in practice" when a more straightforward explanation would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Use simpler alternatives like "in reality" when the practical implication is direct and obvious.

Linguistic Context

Which in practice functions as a connector, linking a concept, rule, or plan to its actual implementation or effect. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it is often used to highlight a divergence between what is expected and what truly happens, adding a layer of practical understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which in practice" is a connector phrase used to clarify the real-world application or implications of a concept, often highlighting differences between theory and reality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse sources, especially in news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's best used when a clear distinction between theory and practice exists, avoiding overuse in simple explanations. Consider alternatives like "in reality" or "effectively" for clearer communication. By understanding its function and appropriate context, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reality

Focuses more on the actual state of affairs, omitting the implied comparison to theory.

in effect

Emphasizes the result or consequence of something, rather than its application.

as a matter of fact

Highlights the truth or actuality of a situation, sometimes contradicting a previous assumption.

in the real world

Draws a contrast between theoretical ideas and tangible experiences.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is true in every important way, even if not literally true.

effectively

Concentrates on the practical outcome or result.

in application

Highlights the act of putting something into use.

from a practical standpoint

Introduces a viewpoint rooted in usefulness and reality.

as implemented

Focuses explicitly on the execution and carrying out of a plan or idea.

in operational terms

Emphasizes how something functions in its working state.

FAQs

How can I use "which in practice" in a sentence?

Use "which in practice" to bridge the gap between a concept and its actual application. For instance, "The policy, "which in practice" meant longer hours, was unpopular."

What are some alternatives to "which in practice"?

Consider alternatives like "in reality", "in effect", or "effectively" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "which in theory" and "which in practice"?

"Which in theory" describes an idealized or hypothetical situation, while "which in practice", in contrast, describes how things actually play out. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum.

When should I avoid using "which in practice"?

Avoid using "which in practice" when the distinction between theory and reality is minimal or nonexistent. In such cases, a more direct explanation is often clearer.