a semblance of sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"a semblance of sense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something appears as though it makes sense, but when examined closely, it really does not. For example, "His argument seemed to have a semblance of sense, but it could not be backed up with any facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sample sentence: "After the letters somehow coalesced into words and began making a semblance of sense, the second hurdle was the abhorrent topography of the paragraph".

The Guardian - Books

For me, it's generally the case that an idea for a cartoon springs from a tiny germ that I keep adding to until it builds into something that slowly begins to make a semblance of sense.

The New Yorker

If Mr. Polanski had kept a low profile and his whereabouts unknown, there might be a semblance of sense to this explanation for the three-decade delay, but he is one of the most famous film directors in the world.

The New York Times

Nwamgba was ashamed of her son, irritated with his wife, upset by their rarefied life in which they treated non-Christians as if they had smallpox, but she held out hope for a grandchild; she prayed and sacrificed for Mgbeke to have a boy, because she knew that the child would be Obierika come back and would bring a semblance of sense again into her world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it gradually succeeds in violently shaking away any semblance of sense.

The New York Times - Books

He's game, he's blithely uninhibited – but it's left to others to make any semblance of sense.

The Guardian

"It is self-evident that there is a whole range of conduct that anyone with at least a semblance of common sense would know is a failure to provide credible and reliable identification and that would be covered by the statute...

Cornell University

It deserves a swift and decisive death in the Senate if we are to keep a semblance of America's sense of fairness alive.

HuffPost

Only Kinnear feels confident enough in his role to ride roughshod over the airwaves, although even he has lost the gusto that saw proclaim to the world that he would make Newcastle better and stronger upon his appointment, lest we forget, on a three-year deal, back in June, when what little semblance of sense at this football club ended.

Independent

The economy is way out of whack, and activities need to be re-balanced with prices in order to make the whole thing make some sort of semblance of sense.

Forbes

To hold on to a sense of purpose and a semblance of sanity, theater folks inevitably thought of Wilder's play, with its sense of time ("clocks ticking") and its frequently quoted phrase about living life "every, every minute".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a semblance of sense" when you want to convey that something gives the impression of being logical or reasonable, even if it's ultimately flawed or nonsensical upon closer examination. It's suitable for describing arguments, plans, or situations that appear orderly but lack genuine coherence.

Common error

While "a semblance of sense" can add nuance, avoid overusing it, especially in formal academic or business contexts. Over-reliance may make your writing sound less confident or decisive. Opt for more direct and assertive language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a semblance of sense" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, describing something that appears to be logical or reasonable. Ludwig highlights its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a semblance of sense" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something that appears logical but might lack genuine coherence. Ludwig's AI indicates its proper usage. While relatively rare, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider its potential to introduce doubt or skepticism. The alternative phrases, such as "a facade of reason" or "an appearance of coherence", offer similar shades of meaning, suitable for various contexts. Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal settings, where a more direct expression might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a facade of reason

Emphasizes the deceptive appearance of rationality, suggesting an underlying lack of genuine logic.

an appearance of coherence

Focuses on the surface-level organization and logical connection, implying a potential absence of true understanding.

a veneer of logic

Highlights the thin, superficial layer of logical reasoning, hinting at a more chaotic or illogical core.

a pretense of intelligibility

Suggests a deliberate attempt to appear understandable, even if the underlying concept remains unclear.

a show of rationality

Implies an outward display of logical thought, potentially masking irrationality or ulterior motives.

a hint of comprehension

Indicates a slight or subtle indication of understanding, without guaranteeing actual insight.

a trace of logic

Suggests a minimal amount of logical reasoning is present, though potentially insufficient or flawed.

a glimmer of understanding

Emphasizes the fleeting and uncertain nature of the perceived understanding.

a shadow of reason

Indicates a vague or incomplete form of logical thinking, lacking clarity and substance.

a whisper of intelligibility

Highlights the faint and barely perceptible nature of the perceived intelligibility.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a semblance of sense" in a sentence?

Employ "a semblance of sense" when you want to suggest that something appears logical or coherent on the surface, but may be fundamentally flawed or lacking in substance. For example, "The plan had "a semblance of sense" until we examined the budget projections."

What are some alternatives to "a semblance of sense" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives such as "a facade of reason", "an appearance of coherence", or "a veneer of logic".

Is "a semblance of sense" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a semblance of sense" may come across as somewhat informal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some cases, a more direct or assertive phrasing might be preferable.

What's the difference between "a semblance of sense" and "making sense"?

"Making sense" implies that something is understandable and logical. "A semblance of sense", on the other hand, suggests that something only appears to be logical, and may in fact be deceptive or flawed. The former indicates actual understanding, while the latter suggests a superficial appearance of understanding.