Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Tip of the Week

Is it practicable or practical?

This tip is taken from our Writing Tips collection.

practicable, practical

Practicable refers to what is possible, while practical refers to persons, procedures or objects that are useful or realistic. Thus, a practical solution is practicable (feasible), but a practicable (possible) solution is not always practical (realistic):

  • It may be practicable to live in a tree, but it is not practical.
  • A pocket knife is a practical item to take on a hike.

Practicable never describes people:

  • Engineers are practical (not practicable) people who apply theory and technology to solve problems.