a sensible size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or item that is practical or reasonable in dimensions or capacity. Example: "The new storage unit is a sensible size for our needs, providing ample space without being overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The pool is a sensible size.

The Guardian - Travel

"So over the years I dieted myself up from probably a sensible size 10 or whatever to the 20 I am now with enormous amounts of self-loathing.

The Guardian

Historically, councils and housing associations have tended to build three-bedroom houses, because that has always been seen as a sensible size for a family home.

The Guardian

He should trim the American nuclear arsenal by two-thirds to bring it down to a sensible size, order the Pentagon to scale back nuclear war-fighting plans so they are relevant to contemporary threats, remove most American intercontinental, land-based missiles from high alert and drop the quaint notion that a fleet of aging B-52 bombers can effectively deliver nuclear weapons to distant targets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A sensible starting size for an external drive is 500gb.

The Guardian

Not only are Solaia's starters of sensible size, they are also uniformly delicious, and there isn't a cliché among them.

The New York Times

Make sure if you want to jump things make sure you start off with sensible sizes for things to jump.

WikiHow

In order to obtain a sensible design, the size of the receiver coil should be determined initially.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As such, any knowledge that can be applied to decrease in a sensible way the size of the search space is advantageous.

Bioinformatics

LONDON — Among the many peculiarities of "Dear World," the 1969 Jerry Herman musical only now receiving its British premiere, try this one on for size: "A Sensible Woman" is the name afforded the opening number of a show that has to be the battiest I've encountered on either side of the Atlantic in years.

The New York Times - Arts

The Bowles-Simpson proposal that revenue be about $200 billion a year higher should be a guidepost for the size of a sensible tax component.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible size" to describe dimensions that are appropriate and practical for a given purpose, avoiding extremes.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensible size" when a more precise measurement or comparison would provide clearer information. Specificity enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible size" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the size of something is practical, reasonable, or appropriate for a given purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sensible size" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing dimensions that are practical and appropriate. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is not a particularly frequent expression, appearing mostly in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Alternatives such as "a reasonable size" or "an appropriate size" can be used for similar effect. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the subjective assessment of "sensible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable size

Replaces "sensible" with "reasonable", emphasizing rationality and justification in size.

an appropriate size

Substitutes "sensible" with "appropriate", highlighting suitability for a specific purpose or context.

a practical size

Replaces "sensible" with "practical", stressing usefulness and efficiency in size.

a suitable size

Highlights the fitness or adequacy of the size for a given purpose.

a manageable size

Emphasizes the ease of handling or dealing with something of a certain size.

a fitting size

Suggests the size is perfectly matched or tailored to a specific need.

a moderate size

Indicates a size that is neither too large nor too small, implying balance.

a judicious size

Replaces "sensible" with "judicious", highlighting the sound judgment behind the size.

a proportionate size

Focuses on the size being in correct relation to other elements.

an optimal size

Indicates the size is the best or most favorable for a particular situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible size" to describe something that has appropriate dimensions. For example, "The garden is "a sensible size" for a small family to enjoy".

What are some alternatives to "a sensible size"?

Alternatives include "a reasonable size", "an appropriate size", or "a practical size", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a sensible size"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is neither too large nor too small, but just right for its intended use or context.

Is there a difference between "a sensible size" and "an ideal size"?

"A sensible size" implies practicality and appropriateness, while "an ideal size" suggests perfection or the best possible option. They're similar, but "an ideal size" carries a stronger connotation of optimality.