For all practical purposes
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to describe the real-world reality of a situation, ignoring technical or legal technicalities.
En 15 secondes
- Means something is effectively true, even if not technically true.
- Used to focus on real-world results over minor details.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
Signification
This phrase is used to say that while something might not be technically or legally true, it is true in every way that actually matters in real life.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a nearly finished project
The software is ready for all practical purposes, though we have a few icons to polish.
The software is effectively ready.
Talking about a broken phone
My screen is so shattered that the phone is useless for all practical purposes.
My phone is basically trash now.
Describing a long-term couple who aren't married
They have lived together for twenty years; they are married for all practical purposes.
They are effectively a married couple.
Contexte culturel
This expression is a hallmark of 'pragmatism,' a philosophical tradition that started in the U.S. It emphasizes the practical consequences of ideas. It became a staple of 20th-century corporate and academic English as a way to bypass bureaucratic technicalities.
The 'Basically' Upgrade
If you find yourself saying 'basically' too much in presentations, swap it for 'for all practical purposes.' It instantly makes you sound 20% more authoritative.
Don't Overuse It
This is a 'heavy' phrase. If you use it three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be an intellectual. Once per conversation is usually plenty!
En 15 secondes
- Means something is effectively true, even if not technically true.
- Used to focus on real-world results over minor details.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
What It Means
Imagine you have a car that won't start. Technically, you still own a car. But because it doesn't move, for all practical purposes, you don't have a car. This phrase focuses on the reality of a situation rather than the official rules or tiny details. It tells your listener, "Forget the technicalities; here is what is actually happening." It is the bridge between theory and reality. You use it when the 'bottom line' is more important than the fine print. It is a very sophisticated way to say "basically" or "effectively."
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase at the beginning or the end of a sentence. Sometimes, people tuck it right in the middle to add emphasis. It acts like a giant highlighter for your main point. If you are explaining a complex situation, use it to simplify things. For example, For all practical purposes, the meeting is over. This means people are still in the room, but no more work is getting done. It sounds very professional and intelligent. It shows you are a person who focuses on results.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when a project is 99% done. Use it when explaining a relationship that doesn't have a label but acts like one. It is perfect for academic writing to summarize a complex effect. You will hear it often in news reports or business strategy sessions. It is great for describing broken things that still 'exist' but don't work. It helps you sound like a decisive leader. Use it when you want to stop arguing about small, annoying details.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in a court of law or a science lab. In those places, the tiny technicalities are the whole point! Don't use it if you are being 100% literal. If you tell a doctor your leg is broken for all practical purposes, they might get confused. Also, it is a bit heavy for a very casual text to a best friend. Saying it while ordering a pizza might make you sound like a philosophy professor. Keep it for situations where a 'summary of reality' is actually needed.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects a very Western, pragmatic worldview. In English-speaking cultures, especially in business, we value 'what works' over 'what is written.' It became popular because it allows people to move forward without getting stuck in red tape. It shows a preference for action over theory. It is a linguistic tool for people who want to get things done. It evolved from legal language but moved into everyday professional speech.
Common Variations
You might also hear to all intents and purposes. That one is a bit more old-fashioned and common in British English. Some people just say effectively or essentially. If you want to be very casual, you just say basically. However, for all practical purposes remains the gold standard for sounding smart and grounded. It carries a weight that basically just doesn't have. It suggests you have analyzed the situation deeply.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level (C1) phrase that signals a transition from detail to summary. It is most effective in professional or analytical contexts and should be used sparingly to maintain its impact.
The 'Basically' Upgrade
If you find yourself saying 'basically' too much in presentations, swap it for 'for all practical purposes.' It instantly makes you sound 20% more authoritative.
Don't Overuse It
This is a 'heavy' phrase. If you use it three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be an intellectual. Once per conversation is usually plenty!
The British Cousin
In the UK, you might hear 'to all intents and purposes.' It means the exact same thing, but it's slightly more common in British English than the American 'practical' version.
Exemples
6The software is ready for all practical purposes, though we have a few icons to polish.
The software is effectively ready.
Focuses on the fact that the software can be used now.
My screen is so shattered that the phone is useless for all practical purposes.
My phone is basically trash now.
The phone technically turns on, but you can't use it.
They have lived together for twenty years; they are married for all practical purposes.
They are effectively a married couple.
Highlights the reality of their life over their legal status.
For all practical purposes, this discussion is going nowhere, so let's just vote.
Basically, we are wasting time.
A polite but firm way to shut down an unproductive conversation.
The party is over for all practical purposes—only the host's cat is still awake.
The party is basically dead.
Uses the formal phrase in a funny, low-stakes context.
The company is bankrupt for all practical purposes, even if the paperwork isn't filed yet.
The company has no money left.
Describes the financial reality before the legal reality catches up.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a car that won't start.
The engine is dead, so ___ , we don't have a way to get to the beach.
This is the standard set phrase used to mean 'in reality' or 'effectively.'
Which word is a more formal synonym for 'basically' in this sentence?
The treaty is, ___ , a piece of scrap paper now.
While 'pretty much' works, 'for all practical purposes' provides the formal weight needed for a topic like a treaty.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'Effectively' Synonyms
Used with friends or family.
Basically
Good for daily work talk.
Effectively
Academic papers or board meetings.
For all practical purposes
When to use 'For All Practical Purposes'
Business
A project that is 'done enough' to launch.
Relationships
Unlabeled but committed partners.
Technology
A device that is technically on but broken.
Law/Rules
A rule that everyone ignores.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they share the same core meaning. However, for all practical purposes is much more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing.
Absolutely! It is a great discourse marker to show that you are summarizing the real-world impact of a theory or data set.
No! That is a very common mistake called an 'eggcorn.' The correct phrase is for all practical purposes or to all intents and purposes.
It is flexible. You can put it at the start: For all practical purposes, we are finished. Or at the end: The case is closed, for all practical purposes.
Not at all. It sounds objective and analytical. It shows you are looking at the facts clearly.
They are nearly identical. Effectively is a single word and a bit punchier, while for all practical purposes adds more emphasis and rhythmic weight to your sentence.
Yes, if you are describing their role. For example: He is the CEO for all practical purposes, means he does the work even if he doesn't have the title.
It is used in both, but Americans tend to prefer practical purposes while Brits often use intents and purposes.
You can, but it might feel a bit 'extra' or dramatic unless you are being slightly humorous about a situation.
Actually, it usually implies that something is *not* 100% technically true, but it is true in every way that matters to you right now.
Expressions liées
To all intents and purposes
The British/more formal equivalent of the phrase.
In essence
Focusing on the most important quality of something.
Effectively
Producing a result even if not intended or official.
As good as
Very nearly the same as something else (e.g., 'It's as good as new').
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