a sensible effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an attempt or endeavor that is reasonable, practical, or logical in nature. Example: "The team made a sensible effort to address the issues raised during the meeting, ensuring that all concerns were taken into account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is both a recognition of Wal-Mart's importance in music sales and a sensible effort to keep the Billboard charts from becoming irrelevant.

The New York Times

Mrs. Clinton's attempt to reset relations with Russia, though far from successful, was a sensible effort to improve interactions with a rivalrous nuclear power.

The New York Times

And let us also be clear that Congress's restrictions were a sensible effort to limit the damage from this damaging deal and maintain a few shreds of American credibility when it comes to restraining the spread of nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

It may not be so great for supporters but at least a sensible effort has been made to keep the games as local as possible, with Wakefield-Bradford, Salford-Saints, Widnes-Salford and Warrington-Wigan following this week's Warrington-Saints derby.

The Guardian - Sport

The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is a sensible effort to roll back the nuclear threat, in the tradition of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Still, the administration's efforts won praise from William L. Kovacs, a vice president of the United States Chamber of Commerce, who said the memorandum was a "reasonable, sensible" effort to avoid so-called midnight rules.

The New York Times

She could, for example, have Locher on her show to explain to Americans why such an utterly sensible effort failed to see the light of the political day in Washington, or even gain the attention of the media.

Huffington Post

But Stahl needs Fatty's fall to come with a thud, so he makes the sensible effort to create an at least semi-golden age of Hollywood high jinks through which his ur-Belushi can first disport himself.

The New Yorker

Of course, Mr. McNamara was right, and it was in part his confidence in this sensible effort at reform that blinded him to the need for a change in strategy in Southeast Asia.

The New York Times

Obama has ignored sensible efforts by Saudi Arabia to broker a cease-fire and work toward a coalition government in Afghanistan.

Huffington Post

Why, for that matter, block sensible efforts to encourage fuel-efficient cars and cleaner energy sources?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible effort" to describe actions that are well-considered and likely to produce positive results. It implies practicality and good judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensible effort" in contexts where emotions are heightened or where a more empathetic response is required. Opt for phrases that acknowledge feelings before addressing practical solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible effort" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'sensible' modifies the noun 'effort'. It typically describes an action or attempt that is practical, logical, and well-considered, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible effort" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an action or attempt that is practical and well-reasoned. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the emotional context to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives like "a reasonable endeavor" or "a practical attempt" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. This phrase can be used to convey that the action is based on sound reasoning. To conclude, the expression is often found across a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable endeavor

Focuses more on the undertaking itself, emphasizing its fairness or justification.

a practical attempt

Highlights the feasibility and functionality of the effort.

a judicious undertaking

Emphasizes the wisdom and good judgment involved in the effort.

a sound endeavor

Implies that the effort is well-founded and likely to succeed.

a well-advised attempt

Suggests that the effort was based on good counsel and planning.

a logical endeavor

Highlights the rational and coherent nature of the effort.

a pragmatic attempt

Emphasizes the realistic and practical approach taken.

a thoughtful endeavor

Suggests that the effort was carefully considered and planned.

a well-reasoned attempt

Highlights the logical and rational basis for the effort.

a strategic endeavor

Emphasizes the calculated and planned nature of the effort towards a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible effort" to describe an action or attempt that is practical and well-reasoned. For example, "The company made "a sensible effort" to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources."

What are some alternatives to "a sensible effort"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable endeavor", "a practical attempt", or "a judicious undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a sensible effort"?

While generally appropriate, "a sensible effort" might not be suitable in highly emotional or sensitive contexts where empathy is more important than practicality. Consider the context before using this phrase.

What makes an effort "sensible"?

An effort is considered "sensible" when it is based on sound reasoning, practicality, and good judgment. It implies a logical approach to addressing a problem or achieving a goal.