a sensible idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a well thought-out idea or plan. For example, "I think it's a sensible idea to save money for a rainy day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a sensible idea.

The Economist

It is a sensible idea.

The Economist

What a sensible idea!

The New York Times

Again, a sensible idea that risks being ignored.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That sounds like a sensible idea," Alyosha-Bob said.

The New Yorker

Phasing out compulsory retirement must be a sensible idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

They had to admit, it was a sensible idea.

The New Yorker

As decades passed, keeping a low profile must have seemed a sensible idea.

The Economist

Yet keeping the bacteria out of the food chain would be a sensible idea.

The Economist

These conditions seem to be pursuing two objectives at once, which is rarely a sensible idea.

The Economist

If children are given mostly bottled water, a fluoride supplement would be a sensible idea.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensible idea", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why the idea is considered sensible. This may involve outlining the problem it solves or the benefits it offers.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a sensible idea" without explaining why. Always provide the reasoning or evidence that supports its sensibility to enhance clarity and persuasiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible idea" functions as a noun phrase, with 'sensible' acting as an adjective that modifies the noun 'idea'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe something that is practical, reasonable, or well-considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing a practical and reasonable concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread applicability. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as business contexts, suggesting its versatility across different communication styles. When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient information to support the idea's sensibility. For alternative expressions, consider "a logical idea", "a rational idea", or "a sound idea", tailoring the choice to the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide context when using it, in order to ensure that the practicality and reasonableness of the idea is explicit to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical idea

Focuses on the reasoning behind the idea.

a rational idea

Emphasizes the rationality and absence of emotion in the idea.

a sound idea

Highlights the reliability and validity of the idea.

a practical idea

Stresses the feasibility and applicability of the idea.

a reasonable idea

Suggests the idea is fair and justified.

a wise idea

Indicates the idea is insightful and shows good judgement.

a prudent idea

Emphasizes the carefulness and foresight of the idea.

a smart idea

Implies the idea is clever and efficient.

a well-thought-out idea

Highlights that the idea has been carefully considered.

a judicious idea

Implies the idea has been carefully considered and demonstrates good judgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible idea" to describe a plan or suggestion that is practical and well-reasoned. For example: "Implementing flexible working hours seems like "a sensible idea" to improve employee morale."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sensible idea"?

Alternatives include "a logical idea", "a rational idea", or "a sound idea". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a sensible idea"?

While generally applicable, describing something as "a sensible idea" is most effective when the context clearly supports the idea's practicality and reasonableness. If the sensibility is debatable, providing additional justification is helpful.

What makes "a sensible idea" different from just "an idea"?

While "an idea" is a general term for any thought or suggestion, "a sensible idea" implies that the idea is not only conceivable but also practical, logical, and likely to lead to a positive outcome. It suggests a degree of thoughtfulness and feasibility.