In practice
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to explain how things actually work when reality differs from the original plan.
15秒でわかる
- Describes what actually happens versus what was planned.
- Commonly used to start sentences in academic or professional settings.
- Highlights the difference between theory and real-world application.
意味
This phrase is used to describe what actually happens in real-life situations, especially when it is different from what was planned or expected in theory.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a new office policy
The new policy sounds efficient, but `in practice`, it slows us down.
The new policy sounds efficient, but in reality, it slows us down.
Assembling flat-pack furniture
The manual says it takes ten minutes, but `in practice`, it takes two hours.
The manual says it takes ten minutes, but in reality, it takes two hours.
Talking about a new diet
I want to eat healthy, but `in practice`, I always reach for chocolate.
I want to eat healthy, but in reality, I always reach for chocolate.
文化的背景
The phrase reflects a Western philosophical tradition of pragmatism, where the value of an idea is determined by its practical application. It became a staple of academic and legal English to distinguish between 'de jure' (by law) and 'de facto' (in practice). Today, it is a key tool for critical thinking in English-speaking professional environments.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `In practice` when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the reality check.
Don't confuse with 'Practicing'
If you are doing an activity to get better at it, use the verb `practicing`. `In practice` is only for describing situations.
15秒でわかる
- Describes what actually happens versus what was planned.
- Commonly used to start sentences in academic or professional settings.
- Highlights the difference between theory and real-world application.
What It Means
Imagine you have a perfect plan on paper. You have thought of every detail. But then, real life happens. In practice is how you describe that messy reality. It bridges the gap between ideas and actions. It is the "real world" version of a theory. It often highlights a contrast between expectations and results.
How To Use It
You usually put it at the start of a sentence. Use a comma after it for clarity. You can also use it after a conjunction like but. For example: "The theory is great, but in practice, it fails." It helps you transition from abstract ideas to concrete facts. It makes your arguments feel grounded and realistic.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings to discuss project feasibility. It is perfect for academic essays when analyzing data. Use it when explaining why a simple plan became difficult. It shows you understand how the world works. It is great for giving advice based on experience. You will sound like a seasoned professional.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for your hobbies. If you are playing guitar, don't say "I am in practice." Say "I am practicing." Also, avoid it in very casual slang situations. It is a bit too formal for a wild party. Do not use it if there is no theory to compare.
Cultural Background
English speakers value pragmatism and efficiency. We often care more about results than perfect ideas. This phrase reflects that cultural focus on utility. It became popular as modern science and business management evolved. It separates the dreamers from the doers in a conversation. It is a hallmark of Western logical discourse.
Common Variations
You might hear people say in reality. Some professionals say on the ground. In scientific contexts, they might use empirically. In effect is another close cousin you will encounter. All of these focus on what is actually happening right now. They all prioritize the truth over the plan.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is a high-level (C1) discourse marker. It is highly effective in professional writing to show critical thinking and a pragmatic mindset.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `In practice` when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the reality check.
Don't confuse with 'Practicing'
If you are doing an activity to get better at it, use the verb `practicing`. `In practice` is only for describing situations.
The 'Reality Check' Vibe
Using this phrase makes you sound like a 'straight talker'. In English-speaking cultures, being the person who points out how things work 'in practice' is often seen as a sign of leadership.
例文
6The new policy sounds efficient, but `in practice`, it slows us down.
The new policy sounds efficient, but in reality, it slows us down.
Contrasts the intended goal with the actual negative result.
The manual says it takes ten minutes, but `in practice`, it takes two hours.
The manual says it takes ten minutes, but in reality, it takes two hours.
A relatable use showing the gap between instructions and reality.
I want to eat healthy, but `in practice`, I always reach for chocolate.
I want to eat healthy, but in reality, I always reach for chocolate.
Uses the phrase to admit a personal struggle with a plan.
The train should be fast, but `in practice`, there are always delays.
The train should be fast, but in reality, there are always delays.
Used to temper expectations based on past experience.
The model is mathematically sound; however, `in practice`, variables are unpredictable.
The model is mathematically sound; however, in reality, variables are unpredictable.
A classic academic use to show the limits of a theory.
We promised to call every night, but `in practice`, we are both too busy.
We promised to call every night, but in reality, we are both too busy.
Highlights the difficulty of maintaining a commitment.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a failed experiment.
The chemical reaction should have been instant, but ___, it took several minutes.
We use `in practice` to show the difference between what should have happened and what actually happened.
Select the phrase that fits a professional business context.
Our strategy looks great on the slides. ___, we need more staff to execute it.
`In practice` is the standard discourse marker for introducing real-world constraints.
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Formality of 'In Practice'
Used with friends to explain why a plan failed.
In practice, the party was a bit boring.
Standard for meetings and project reviews.
In practice, the budget won't cover this.
Used to critique theories or research models.
In practice, the results deviated from the hypothesis.
Where to use 'In Practice'
Business Strategy
Explaining why a plan is too expensive.
Scientific Research
Comparing data to a theoretical model.
Daily Chores
Admitting that cleaning takes longer than expected.
Legal/Policy
Discussing how a law is actually enforced.
よくある質問
10 問It refers to how something works in the real world as opposed to how it is supposed to work in theory. For example, In practice, the new law is hard to enforce.
Yes, you can! While it sounds a bit smart, it is perfectly fine for daily life, like saying In practice, I never wake up at 5 AM.
Not quite. Practically usually means 'almost' (e.g., 'I'm practically done'). In practice specifically compares reality to a plan or theory.
It most commonly appears at the very beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or after a word like but or however.
It is neutral to formal. It is very common in academic writing and business, but it is not too stiff for a friendly chat.
The opposite is in theory. People often use them together: In theory, it works; in practice, it doesn't.
No, put into practice is a verb phrase meaning to start doing something. In practice is a marker used to describe a state of affairs.
Often, yes. It is frequently used to introduce a problem or a reason why a 'perfect' plan isn't working.
In law, it describes how a rule is actually applied by police or courts, which might differ from the written text of the law.
Only if you are describing a strategy. If you mean you are at the gym training, you should say at practice or practicing.
関連フレーズ
In reality
Used to state the actual truth about a situation.
On the ground
Describing the situation where the action is actually happening.
In effect
Used to describe the practical result of something.
As it turns out
Used to describe a result that was unexpected.
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