for all intents and purposesという表現は、実際的にはという意味で、ほぼ同じ結果を持つときに使われます。例えば、「for all intents and purposes, it’s done」は「実質的には、完了した」という意味です。これは形式的なプロセスに関係なく、本質的な結果を強調します。
in essence or effect but not in fact; "the strike virtually paralyzed the city"; "I'm virtually broke"事実でなく、本質または影響で実質的
例:The strike virtually paralyzed the city. ストは事実上、都市を麻痺させた。
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but; "the job is (just) about done"; "the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"; "we're almost finished"; "the car all but ran her down"; "he nearly fainted"; "talked for nigh onto 2 hours"; "the recording is well-nigh perfect"; "virtually all the parties signed the contract"; "I was near exhausted by the run"; "most everyone agrees"(行動または状態について)少し足りない、または、完全に終わっていない殆ど