a good sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong understanding or perception of something, often in a positive context. Example: "She has a good sense of humor, which makes her a joy to be around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yes, and not in a good sense.

The New York Times - Arts

"There is a good sense of community.

Independent

"It was emotional, in a good sense".

The New York Times

I have a good sense of humor.

The New York Times

He has a good sense about art and a good sense about numbers".

The New York Times

"It's a good sense of neighborhood".

The New York Times

Or a good sense of humour.

The Guardian - Books

"Almost resiny, but in a good sense.

The New York Times

I've got a good sense for that".

The Guardian

"She's got a good sense about herself.

The New York Times - Sports

A good sense of balance, obviously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability, use "a good sense" followed by "of" or "for" depending on whether you are referring to an understanding (of) or an aptitude (for).

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "a good sense". For example, it is more appropriate to say "a good sense of humor" or "a good sense for direction" rather than "a good sense in humor" or "a good sense on direction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good sense" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, highlighting its role in characterizing someone's understanding, perception, or ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good sense" is a common and versatile way to describe someone's positive aptitude, understanding, or perception. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media and online wikis. When using this phrase, pay attention to the prepositions that follow ("of" or "for") to ensure accurate communication. Consider using alternatives like "a keen awareness" or "a strong intuition" to add variety to your writing. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. The numerous examples available through Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's widespread applicability and consistent meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a keen awareness

Emphasizes a sharp and perceptive understanding.

a strong intuition

Highlights the role of instinct and feeling in understanding.

an excellent grasp

Focuses on a comprehensive and firm understanding.

a solid understanding

Stresses the reliability and depth of knowledge.

a fine appreciation

Suggests a refined and subtle understanding.

a sharp perception

Highlights the ability to notice and understand things quickly.

a clear understanding

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of confusion in comprehension.

an insightful view

Focuses on the depth and penetrating nature of the understanding.

a developed skill

Suggests that the sense or ability has been cultivated over time.

considerable knowledge

Highlights the amount of information and understanding possessed.

FAQs

How can I use "a good sense" in a sentence?

You can use "a good sense" to describe someone who has a strong understanding or perception of something. For example, "She has "a good sense of humor"" or "He has "a good sense for direction"".

What are some synonyms for "a good sense"?

Alternatives to "a good sense" include "a keen awareness", "a strong intuition", or "an excellent grasp", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a good sense about" instead of "a good sense of"?

While "a good sense of" is the more common and generally preferred construction, "a good sense about" can also be used, especially when referring to someone's intuition or feeling about a particular situation. For example, "She has "a good sense about people"".

What's the difference between "a good sense of" and "a good sense for"?

"A good sense of" generally refers to an understanding or knowledge of something (e.g., ""a good sense of humor""), while "a good sense for" typically indicates a natural aptitude or talent (e.g., "a good sense for business").