a sensible person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is reasonable, practical, and makes good decisions. Example: "In times of crisis, it's important to rely on a sensible person to guide us through difficult decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He's a sensible person. . .

The Washington Post

Why might a sensible person be sympathetic to these sorts of views?

The New York Times

Alternatively, of course, you could sleep in and eat toast like a sensible person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Acquire pre-roasted chestnuts online, and spend your holiday leisure time baking and watching "Die Hard" like a sensible person.

The Washington Post

If you're a sensible person with a world view then you understand that the joke earlier on about the Holocaust that you laughed at would offend someone else.

Independent

In addition, theoreticians have developed rules for delineating starting probabilities that correspond roughly to the beliefs of a "sensible person" with no background knowledge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Here's how: when it comes to investment products and services, regulators -- and, for that matter, consumer advocates -- tend to equate "cheapest" with "best," though that's not a standard any sensible person would apply to almost anything else, be it a car, food or real estate.

Forbes

The slum that I live in is known as a place that any sensible person would stay away from".

The New York Times - Books

Would any sensible person drink a milkshake made with meat?

Huffington Post

Characters still gallop their steeds dangerously close to dramatic cliffs rather than take an inland track like any sensible person.

The Guardian - Books

Other women he reported meeting included "a charming widow," "a most pleasant companion," "a young English damsel," "a very delightful person" and "a sensible soul, also by no means ugly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible person" to convey qualities like practicality, sound judgment, and level-headedness in your writing. This will make your statements clearer and more convincing.

Common error

While "a sensible person" is widely understood, overusing it in informal or casual writing can make your tone sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using more colloquial alternatives like "someone with common sense" to better suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible person" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its role in describing someone with sound judgment and practical reasoning, supported by numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible person" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes someone with sound judgment and practical reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings. Related phrases like ""a rational person"" or ""a reasonable person"" may offer suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure your writing supports the assessment of someone as "a sensible person" with concrete examples of their behavior or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational person

Focuses on the capacity for logical thought and reasoning.

a reasonable person

Highlights fairness and moderation in judgment.

a prudent individual

Emphasizes foresight and careful consideration of risks.

a level-headed person

Stresses composure and clear thinking, especially in stressful situations.

a sound thinker

Highlights the quality of their thought process.

a wise individual

Implies experience and deep understanding.

a judicious person

Focuses on the ability to make well-informed decisions.

a clear-headed person

Emphasizes the ability to think without confusion.

a pragmatic person

Highlights a practical approach focused on results.

an astute person

Emphasizes shrewdness and insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible person" to describe someone who consistently makes rational and practical decisions. For instance, "In a crisis, everyone looks to "a sensible person" for guidance".

What are some alternatives to "a sensible person"?

Alternatives include "a rational person", "a reasonable person", or "a prudent individual depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it better to say "sensible person" or "rational person"?

Both are correct, but "sensible person" implies practicality and good judgment in everyday matters, while "rational person" emphasizes logical thinking. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "a sensible person" and "a sensitive person"?

"A sensible person" is someone with good judgment, while "a sensitive person" is someone who is emotionally perceptive and easily affected by others' feelings. The terms have opposite meanings.