a sensible creature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible creature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an entity, typically an animal or person, that demonstrates good judgment or rational behavior. Example: "In the wild, a sensible creature like the owl knows when to hunt and when to stay hidden from predators."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(See IVM book 1, part 2, section 1) Shaftesbury went on to say that the goodness or evilness of a sensible creature is based on the creature's motives, and not simply on the results of the creature's actions (C169).

SEP

But Shaftesbury avoids this problem by discussing in detail only that which makes "a sensible creature" a good member of its species by focusing on whether an individual creature is promoting the well-being of its species (C 169).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After scurrying down a track to find a tasty food pellet, a rat, like any sensible creature, pauses to eat.

Science Magazine

Goodness is something that is within the reach of all sensible creatures, not only humans but also non-human animals, such as tigers.

SEP

Butler suggested in Sermon IX that we have a fundamental obligation to the happiness of sensible creatures other than ourselves insofar as they are capable of pleasure and pain, an obligation that can only be ignored in order to bring about greater happiness (to be further discussed in Section 6).

SEP

With artificial light, modern humans have essentially managed to extend their daytime activities late into the night, when all other sensible creatures are busy sleeping.

The New York Times - Health

Often stand-ins for the writer, Wasser­stein's heroines may be insecure, indecisive, overwhelmed by family, career and romantic problems, but they're also smart, funny, sensible creatures, with good hearts and good heads.

The New York Times - Books

This level of creaturely being points to the Divine Source, but in ways that are more direct than those in which sensible creatures do.

SEP

A sensible….

The New Yorker

What a sensible idea!

The New York Times

"In a sensible way".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a sensible creature", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the creature's capacity for reason and good judgment. It should not be merely attributed but evident through actions or described traits.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensible creature" lightly, especially when describing animals. While some animals exhibit intelligence, attributing 'sensibility' requires demonstrating rational thought and understanding, not just instinctual behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible creature" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'sensible' modifies 'creature'. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to describe a being capable of rational thought and good judgment, as illustrated in the provided examples from academic and news sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible creature" is a noun phrase used to denote a being characterized by rationality and sound judgment. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while grammatically correct, its occurrence is relatively rare, primarily appearing in science and news media contexts. To ensure clarity and accuracy, it's crucial to use this phrase when genuinely describing a creature's capacity for rational thought, avoiding simple attribution without evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable being

Replaces 'sensible' with 'reasonable', focusing on sound judgment.

an intelligent organism

Substitutes 'creature' with 'organism' and 'sensible' with 'intelligent', emphasizing cognitive capacity.

a judicious animal

Uses 'judicious' instead of 'sensible', highlighting careful decision-making.

a wise entity

Replaces 'sensible' with 'wise', suggesting profound understanding.

a rational being

Emphasizes the capacity for logical thought by using 'rational'.

a prudent individual

Focuses on careful and wise behavior by using 'prudent'.

a thoughtful life form

Highlights the capacity for consideration and reflection.

a perceptive animal

Emphasizes awareness and understanding of surroundings.

a discerning creature

Focuses on the ability to distinguish between options.

a sagacious being

Uses 'sagacious' instead of 'sensible', conveying wisdom and good judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible creature" to describe a being that demonstrates good judgment or rationality. For instance, "In the face of danger, "a sensible creature" will prioritize its safety."

What does it mean to describe something as "a sensible creature"?

Describing something as "a sensible creature" implies that the being possesses the capacity for reason, sound judgment, and practical wisdom. It suggests the entity is capable of making informed decisions based on understanding and experience.

Which is more appropriate, "a sensible creature" or "a sensitive creature"?

The choice between "a sensible creature" and "a sensitive creature" depends on the intended meaning. "A sensible creature" suggests rationality and good judgment, while "a sensitive creature" implies heightened emotional or physical responsiveness.

What are some synonyms for "a sensible creature"?

Synonyms for "a sensible creature" include "a rational being", "a wise entity", or "a judicious animal", each emphasizing different aspects of rationality and sound judgment.