a sensible expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing what is reasonable to anticipate in a given situation or context. Example: "Given the team's past performance, a sensible expectation would be to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is rarely a sensible expectation.

The Guardian

All things considered, that remains a sensible expectation.

The Guardian

In any case, use of these medicines requires a careful assessment of each case and a sensible expectation in relation to clinical outcomes.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

1ebb99c3-6c97-4f23-abf2-c378c5ff0164 Unknowability — how things so often come to pass against every sensible expectation — can be haunting.

The New York Times - Books

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles told ITV News that the UK did not wish to portray itself as "anything other than a very pleasant place to be" but migrant workers had to have "sensible expectations" when they arrived.

BBC

There were sensible expectations on both sides and there will be further discussions to take place.

The Guardian - Sport

That would be good: sensible expectations make economies more stable.On the other hand, spending levels might indicate that consumers are so convinced that share prices will keep rising fast that a 20% decline is dismissed as an insignificant blip.

The Economist

"There are sensible expectations on both sides.

BBC

Related with the findings on the effect of education and literacy, these data reveal the inability of some groups of the population to form sensible expectations.

SERIEs

For now, managing expectations downwards so far as the economy is concerned seems a sensible precaution.

The Economist

And despite the trolls, Rinaldi certainly doesn't shy away from a sensible debate on her book, and maintains that the project opened her eyes to her unreasonable expectations of marriage.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensible expectation", ensure that the expectation is clearly defined and based on logical reasoning or evidence. Providing context can help to solidify the reasonableness of the expectation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a sensible expectation" as a guarantee or absolute certainty. Even well-reasoned expectations can be affected by unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible expectation" functions as a noun phrase that describes something that is reasonably anticipated. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where assessing likelihoods and anticipating outcomes are central. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible expectation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a reasonable anticipation. While relatively rare, as per Ludwig's examples, it is commonly found in news and media contexts. The phrase is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal communication. It is important to base your expectations on logical reasoning, and not overstate them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable expectation

Replaces "sensible" with "reasonable", emphasizing the logical basis of the expectation.

a realistic anticipation

Substitutes "expectation" with "anticipation" and "sensible" with "realistic", focusing on achievability.

a justified anticipation

Emphasizes that the anticipation is warranted based on available evidence.

a well-founded hope

Uses "hope" instead of "expectation", suggesting a desire grounded in reason.

an informed prediction

Emphasizes the role of information and knowledge in forming the prediction.

a logical presumption

Replaces "expectation" with "presumption" and "sensible" with "logical", highlighting the inference aspect.

a grounded assumption

Highlights the base of the assumption in facts and reality.

a practical outlook

Focuses on the pragmatic nature of the expectation.

a credible prospect

Focuses on the believability and possibility of the expectation.

a sound forecast

Highlights the predictive element, suggesting a reliable prediction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible expectation" to describe something that is likely to happen or be true based on the available information. For example, "Given the company's growth rate, "a sensible expectation" is that revenue will increase next quarter."

What is a phrase similar to "a sensible expectation"?

A similar phrase is "a reasonable expectation". The terms "sensible" and "reasonable" are often interchangeable in this context.

Is it always safe to assume that "a sensible expectation" will be met?

No, it's not always safe. While "a sensible expectation" is based on logic and evidence, unforeseen events can always occur. Therefore, it's important to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.

What's the difference between "a sensible expectation" and "wishful thinking"?

"A sensible expectation" is based on evidence and logical reasoning, while wishful thinking is based on desires and hopes, often without regard for reality. A "sensible expectation" is grounded in facts, whereas wishful thinking is not.