Practical, Practicable, Pragmatic
Explore the differences between useful, possible to carry out, and focused on real-world results.
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Questions with solutions-
1. 选择正确答案。
What does “practical” emphasize here?
These boots aren't fashionable, but they're waterproof and easy to clean. They're practical for working outdoors.
- They are useful for the conditions of the job.
- They are possible to manufacture with available equipment.
- They are a compromise between opposing opinions.
Consider what the wearer needs while working.
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- They are useful for the conditions of the job.
“Practical” often describes something that suits everyday needs, even if it is not especially attractive.
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2. 填空。
The experience comes from doing the work, rather than studying it.
After months of reading about engine repair, I joined a workshop to gain ___ experience.
- practicable
- practical
- pragmatic
This common phrase contrasts direct experience with theoretical knowledge.
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After months of reading about engine repair, I joined a workshop to gain practical experience.
“Practical experience” means experience gained through actual activity. “Practicable” usually describes something that can be carried out.
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3. 选择正确答案。
What is confirmed about the plan?
Opening on weekends is practicable: we have enough staff, and the building is available.
- It will certainly attract more customers.
- It is the best use of the organization's money.
- The necessary conditions exist to carry it out.
The speaker mentions staff and access to the building.
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- The necessary conditions exist to carry it out.
“Practicable” means feasible: the plan can be put into action under the circumstances.
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4. 选择正确答案。
What makes the compromise pragmatic?
I'd prefer a completely car-free street, but residents need vehicle access. A pragmatic compromise is to restrict cars during shopping hours.
- It follows the original goal without making any adjustments.
- It balances a preferred goal with real needs.
- It guarantees that everyone gets exactly what they want.
The speaker accepts something less than the ideal solution.
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- It balances a preferred goal with real needs.
A pragmatic approach focuses on what can work in real circumstances rather than insisting on an ideal outcome.
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5. 填空。
The phrase refers to a trick played on someone.
The fake spider hidden in my brother's shoe was part of a ___ joke.
- pragmatic
- practicable
- practical
This is a fixed expression with a special meaning.
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The fake spider hidden in my brother's shoe was part of a practical joke.
A “practical joke” is an action intended to trick someone, rather than a joke told in words.
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6. 选择正确答案。
Which distinction is the speaker making?
The new delivery route is practicable, but it would cost more than the extra sales would bring in.
- The route is possible to run, but it would lose money.
- The route would make money, but it cannot be run.
- The route is possible to run and therefore worth its cost.
Being able to do something does not necessarily make it a good investment.
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- The route is possible to run, but it would lose money.
“Practicable” does not mean profitable. A workable plan can still have serious disadvantages.
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7. 选择正确答案。
What does being pragmatic involve here?
We won't weaken our safety rules, but we can change the work schedule. Let's be pragmatic about how we meet the deadline.
- Setting aside safety whenever it delays the work.
- Keeping the current method because it is familiar.
- Changing the method while keeping an essential principle.
Notice what the speaker is willing—and unwilling—to change.
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- Changing the method while keeping an essential principle.
Being pragmatic does not require abandoning your principles. You can stay firm about a goal while being flexible about the method.
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8. 填空。
The old and new keys open exactly the same doors. For all ___ purposes, they are identical, even though their shapes differ.
- practicable
- practical
- pragmatic
The phrase means that a difference does not matter in actual use.
Show solution
The old and new keys open exactly the same doors. For all practical purposes, they are identical, even though their shapes differ.
“For all practical purposes” means effectively, or in the ways that matter in real life. Small differences may still exist.
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9. 选择正确答案。
What does “as soon as practicable” tell customers?
Refunds will be issued as soon as practicable after the office reopens.
- Refunds will be issued as soon as processing them is feasible.
- Every refund will be issued at the exact moment the office reopens.
- Refunds will wait until issuing them becomes profitable.
Reopening may not immediately provide everything needed to process refunds.
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- Refunds will be issued as soon as processing them is feasible.
“As soon as practicable” allows for necessary arrangements or limits. It does not promise immediate action.
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10. 选择正确答案。
What does “pragmatic” emphasize in this decision?
Replacing the filter regularly costs more now, but prevents expensive damage later. It's a pragmatic decision.
- Choosing whatever costs the least right now.
- Following a rule regardless of its effects.
- Considering real outcomes, including future costs.
The speaker considers more than the immediate expense.
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- Considering real outcomes, including future costs.
Pragmatic thinking can include long-term consequences. It is not limited to the quickest or cheapest immediate solution.
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11. 选择正确答案。
Why do “practicable” and “not practical” fit together here?
Handwriting every invitation is practicable—we have enough volunteers—but not practical for this event, because a quick email would do the same job with far less effort.
- The task is useful, but no one can actually do it.
- The task can be done, but it is not an efficient choice for this purpose.
- The task is efficient, but it conflicts with the volunteers' values.
Separate the ability to carry out a plan from the value of doing so.
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- The task can be done, but it is not an efficient choice for this purpose.
These words can overlap, but the contrast here is clear: “practicable” concerns feasibility, while “practical” concerns a sensible use of effort.
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12. 选择正确答案。
Which summary captures the speaker's whole decision?
Producing a glossy booklet is practicable, but visitors only need a map. Let's be pragmatic: give them a simple sheet they can fold and carry.
- The booklet is feasible; a results-focused approach favors a more practical handout.
- The booklet is impossible to produce; a results-focused approach requires avoiding printed materials.
- The booklet is feasible; a results-focused approach favors it because it is more elaborate.
Consider what can be produced, how the decision is made, and what visitors can use.
Show solution
- The booklet is feasible; a results-focused approach favors a more practical handout.
“Practicable” describes feasibility, “pragmatic” describes the approach, and “practical” describes the handout's usefulness. Each word plays a different role.