Meaning & use
of practical value
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Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
Useful in real situations; able to help solve practical problems.
Grammar: Used after 'be' or a linking verb: The advice is of practical value. It does not take an object.
Patterns
- be of practical value
- prove of practical value
- of practical value to someone
The training was of practical value to new employees.
Her research is of practical value for city planners.
These tools are of little practical value in daily life.
Common combinations
- be of practical value
- The handbook is of practical value for beginners.
- prove of practical value
- The new method proved of practical value in the field.
- of great practical value
- The guide is of great practical value to travelers.
- of little practical value
- The theory is of little practical value without data.
Synonyms and how they differ
- useful
- Useful is more common and less formal; of practical value sounds more academic.
- practical
- Practical describes something suitable for real use; of practical value emphasizes its worth or benefit.
Opposites
Commonly confused: of practical value or practical?
of practical value vs practical
Practical is an adjective meaning 'realistic or suitable'; of practical value is a phrase meaning 'useful in practice'.
Practice
The committee decided the proposal was ___ because it could be used immediately.
Choose one answer.
'Of practical value' fits after 'was' to mean 'useful in practice'. 'Practical' alone would need a different structure, 'practically' is an adverb, and 'practiced' means skilled.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “of practical value”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.