a sensible boy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible boy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a boy who shows good judgment or is reasonable in his actions or thoughts. Example: "Despite his young age, he is a sensible boy who always thinks before he acts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Leon strikes me as a sensible boy.

The Guardian - Music

Stop worrying.' And he's a sensible boy".

The New York Times - Magazine

He's wearing a thermal vest and long johns - what a sensible boy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is a very sensible boy, a modest, humble boy.

BBC

My brother is a pretty sensible boy, and when he made the remark, I knew that an accent was the least of the things he wanted me to return with (a new pair of sneakers was most likely higher on the list).

Huffington Post

His son is an economist with artistic yearnings; his Israeli daughter-in-law is his business associate; his grandson is a bright and sensible boy.

The New Yorker

Like all sensible boys his age, the bespectacled Everykid Ralphie, played with amiable spunk by Johnny Rabe, lives in fear of sensible gifts like sweaters, and has fixated on the Red Ryder carbine action BB gun as the only acquisition that will make his 9-year-old life worth living.

The New York Times

Turning to the rest of the class, she asked for two strong, sensible boys and told them that before and after school they were to fetch water each day for us from the school.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The unfortunate moniker, bestowed on him by his scoundrelly thespian father, William, seems at first a terrible misnomer: Tom's a sensible, decent, thoughtful boy, whose only trace of lunacy is an occasional tendency toward impulsiveness in matters of romance.

The New York Times - Books

He was a sensible nineteen-year-old boy.

The New Yorker

A sensible….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible boy" to positively describe a child who demonstrates maturity and sound reasoning beyond their years. It implies a capacity for understanding consequences and making good choices.

Common error

While suitable for general conversation, "a sensible boy" might sound simplistic in formal writing. Consider stronger, more sophisticated synonyms like "a judicious youth" or "a prudent young man" for academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible boy" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "boy". It provides a descriptive attribute, indicating a quality of the boy, highlighting his capacity for reason and good judgment, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sensible boy" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a young male as having good judgment and practicality. Ludwig's analysis indicates it functions as a descriptive phrase, typically found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is correct, it's relatively rare and might be considered somewhat simplistic in more formal settings. As Ludwig AI points out, synonyms like "a reasonable boy" or "a prudent boy" might offer a more sophisticated alternative depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable boy

Replaces "sensible" with "reasonable", emphasizing the boy's logical thinking.

a level-headed boy

Replaces "sensible" with "level-headed", highlighting the boy's composure under pressure.

a judicious boy

Replaces "sensible" with "judicious", emphasizing the boy's sound judgment and wisdom.

a prudent boy

Replaces "sensible" with "prudent", highlighting the boy's careful and cautious nature.

a wise boy

Replaces "sensible" with "wise", focusing on the boy's understanding and experience.

a grounded boy

Emphasizes the boy's stability and realistic outlook.

a responsible boy

Highlights the boy's dependability and accountability.

a thoughtful boy

Focuses on the boy's considerate and reflective nature.

a discerning boy

Emphasizes the boy's ability to distinguish between good and bad choices.

a clever boy

Focuses on his quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a sensible boy"?

Describing someone as "a sensible boy" means that the person is reasonable, shows good judgment, and is practical in their approach to situations. It suggests a level of maturity and thoughtfulness beyond their age.

What are some synonyms for "a sensible boy"?

Some synonyms for "a sensible boy" include "a reasonable boy", "a prudent boy", or "a wise boy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a sensible boy"?

While generally appropriate, the phrase "a sensible boy" may sound slightly informal or simplistic in some contexts. Consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing or conversation. In more formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated alternative.

How can I use "a sensible boy" in a sentence?

You can use "a sensible boy" to describe a child who demonstrates sound reasoning or good judgment. For example, "Despite his young age, he is a sensible boy who always considers the consequences of his actions."