to all intents and purposes
Adverbial phrase: In every practical sense; virtually; for all practical considerations. This phrase is used to state that something is essentially true or effective, even if not officially or in every minute detail.
The phrase "to all intents and purposes" is used to emphasize that a situation, condition, or description is functionally or effectively the case. It highlights the practical reality over technicalities or minor exceptions. It is formal and often used in written and spoken English to summarize a state of affairs.
- The original document was lost, so this copy is to all intents and purposes the official record.
- After the merger, the two departments functioned as one, to all intents and purposes.
- The project is to all intents and purposes complete; only minor formatting remains.
The phrase can be used in legal, academic, and professional contexts to bridge a slight gap between technical fact and practical outcome. It signals that any remaining differences are insignificant for the matter at hand.
- For all intents and purposes: This is a common variant with identical meaning and usage.
- The old system is, for all intents and purposes, obsolete.
- For all practical purposes: A closely related synonym phrase.
- The theory is, for all practical purposes, impossible to test.
- Virtually
- Essentially
- In effect
- Practically
- As good as
- In every meaningful sense: Conveys a similar idea of functional truth.
- He was, in every meaningful sense, the leader of the movement.
- in every practical sense
- to all intents and purposes the case is closed
- the rest are for all practical purposes useless