a sensible point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a logical or reasonable argument or observation in a discussion or debate. Example: "During the meeting, she made a sensible point about the need for better communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But Mr Hutton makes a sensible point about transparency.

The Economist

McQuarrie just wanted to make his point – usually, though not always, a sensible point.

Independent

You make a sensible point — one that hasn't a chance of being implemented.

The Washington Post

There was a sensible point in there about not going in alone or pretending that America can solve everything.

The New Yorker

Greenpeace's Doug Parr makes a sensible point that developing tidal stream generators also means that the technology can be much more readily replicated and exported.

The Guardian

Minoru Yanagida, the justice minister, was forced to step down on November 22nd for offence of having told a joke a rare thing in governing circles, it would seem that made a sensible point.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"That's a very sensible point," Professor Oswald said.

The New York Times

So even if Marie Antoinette said "Let them eat cake," she was making a very sensible point, not demonstrating her ignorance.

The New York Times

That would have been a perfectly sensible point at which to bail out, but I was encouraged by the reaction from some of our most enthusiastic users to the product and a deep conviction that this is a problem worth solving.

TechCrunch

In my view, the benefits of a confrontation are unlikely to outweigh the costs.Ezra Klein pivots from the Chinese case, however, to make a broader, and sensible, point:I just had an interesting conversation with economist Carmen Reinhart (of "Reinhart-Rogoff" fame) that speaks to this question a bit.

The Economist

Alcohol is a real scourge on Australian society and especially so in the Indigenous population but the specialist made the sensible point that a fundamental erroneous assumption about a patient can have serious downstream consequences, in this instance, excluding "a drinker" from a potential liver transplant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible point" when you want to emphasize the rationality and practicality of an idea or suggestion.

Common error

While "a sensible point" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good idea" or "that makes sense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible point" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It indicates acknowledgement or agreement with a statement that is considered logical, rational, or practical. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible point" is a noun phrase that acknowledges the logic and reason behind an argument or idea. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, mainly within news, science, and formal settings. While not overly common, its use lends a sense of thoughtfulness and agreement to the discussion. Related phrases include "a reasonable argument" and "a logical conclusion", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Overusing the phrase in casual settings may come across as overly formal, so consider simpler alternatives in those situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable argument

Replaces "sensible" with "reasonable", focusing on the logical aspect of the point.

a logical conclusion

Emphasizes the deductive reasoning behind the point.

a sound judgment

Highlights the wisdom and good sense in the point being made.

a valid observation

Focuses on the accuracy and factual basis of the point.

a well-founded idea

Indicates that the point is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

a judicious comment

Highlights the careful and thoughtful nature of the point.

a pragmatic suggestion

Emphasizes the practical and realistic nature of the point.

an intelligent remark

Focuses on the intellectual quality of the point.

a rational perspective

Highlights the logical and unbiased viewpoint of the point.

a thoughtful consideration

Emphasizes the depth and carefulness of the point's development.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible point" to acknowledge a valid or logical argument made by someone. For example, "She made "a sensible point" about the budget needing to be adjusted."

What's the difference between "a sensible point" and "an interesting idea"?

"A sensible point" suggests practicality and logic, while "an interesting idea" simply highlights curiosity or novelty. A "sensible point" is grounded in reason, whereas an interesting idea might be more speculative.

What can I say instead of "a sensible point"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable argument", "a valid observation", or "a logical conclusion depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a sensible point" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a sensible point" in formal writing, such as reports, essays, or articles, when you want to acknowledge a rational or logical argument made by someone. It's less common in informal conversation.