a sensible suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible suggestion" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an idea or proposal that is rational, practical, and reasonable. Example: During the meeting, Sarah made a sensible suggestion to improve our company's budgeting process.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Nobody's yet come up with a sensible suggestion as what to do instead.

The Guardian - Sport

A sensible suggestion, and one that probably got most people's hands in the air.

The Guardian - Books

The Minister called this a sensible suggestion and asked his staff to follow up with the Embassy.

The Guardian

(No, that wasn't a sensible suggestion, but it did indicate consistency on Paul's part. He's been saying the same thing for years).

The New Yorker

However, the constituency is home to a sizeable Jewish population and Morrison credited Sharma – also a former ambassador to Israel – for convincing him that the embassy move was a "sensible suggestion".

The Guardian

This is a sensible suggestion though not without its complexities, and could, over time, evolve to solve the eternal conundrum of how to allocate fairly who can emit what: let the market decide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Gemayel wants Parliament to meet and consider the reform plan--a sensible suggestion--but paralysis prevents the meeting.

Los Angeles Times

This was a very sensible suggestion in such a difficult situation.

EU Parlament

"The most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience," he said, adding: "I really want to see Indian, south Asian writers in the writers' room, genuinely informing whichever direction this character takes". This is a very sensible suggestion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a fairly sensible suggestion, and at the same time deeply weird.

Vice

That seems an eminently sensible suggestion.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensible suggestion", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the suggestion is practical and reasonable. Provide supporting details or evidence to strengthen its credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensible suggestion" for trivial or self-evident ideas. The phrase implies a degree of insight, so reserve it for proposals that genuinely offer a smart or practical approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible suggestion" functions as a noun phrase, where "sensible" modifies the noun "suggestion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible suggestion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a practical and reasonable idea. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears commonly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context emphasizes the practicality and well-reasoned nature of the suggestion. Avoid using it for obvious ideas to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a prudent proposal" or "a sound recommendation" for nuanced expression. The phrase's versatile applicability and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to one's writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prudent proposal

Replaces "suggestion" with "proposal" and "sensible" with "prudent", emphasizing careful consideration.

a sound recommendation

Uses "recommendation" instead of "suggestion" and "sound" instead of "sensible", indicating reliability and good judgment.

a logical idea

Substitutes "suggestion" with "idea" and "sensible" with "logical", highlighting the reasoning behind it.

a reasonable approach

Replaces "suggestion" with "approach" and "sensible" with "reasonable", focusing on the balanced and fair nature of the proposition.

a practical solution

Changes "suggestion" to "solution" and "sensible" to "practical", emphasizing its usefulness and applicability.

a viable option

Replaces "suggestion" with "option" and "sensible" with "viable", highlighting its ability to succeed or work.

a well-founded idea

Replaces "sensible" with "well-founded", emphasizing the solid basis or justification for the suggestion.

an intelligent recommendation

Substitutes "sensible" with "intelligent", emphasizing the smart or insightful nature of the advice.

a rational plan

Replaces "suggestion" with "plan" and "sensible" with "rational", focusing on the clear and reasoned thinking behind it.

a thoughtful proposal

Replaces "sensible" with "thoughtful", emphasizing the consideration and care put into the suggestion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible suggestion" when referring to a helpful and practical idea. For example, "The committee adopted "a sensible suggestion" to reduce costs by consolidating resources".

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

Alternatives include "a prudent proposal", "a sound recommendation", or "a logical idea", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to describe a suggestion as "sensible"?

While not always necessary, using "sensible" emphasizes that the suggestion is practical, reasonable, and well-considered, distinguishing it from impractical or poorly thought-out suggestions.

What makes a suggestion "sensible" rather than just "good"?

A "sensible" suggestion is specifically grounded in reason, practicality, and feasibility. While a "good" suggestion might be innovative or ambitious, "a sensible suggestion" is more about being realistic and achievable.