a sound judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sound judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision or opinion that is based on careful consideration and is reasonable or wise. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, she made a sound judgment about the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That seems a sound judgment.

The Economist

"He considers all aspects and develops a sound judgment of the situation".

The New York Times

We'll be looking very closely and digesting the reasoning in the judgment to see whether it is a sound judgment".

The Guardian

Steve Emsley Newcastle upon Tyne To make a sound judgment on energy sources British citizens should be given the relevant facts.

The Guardian

Martha Clara touts the viognier's peach and apricot flavors and says that it "complements the rich, sweet flavor of lobster and crab," a sound judgment.

The New York Times

Sen. Bayh, who visited Vietnam in January, argues that a senator can no more form a sound judgment about South Vietnam from a distance than a reporter can cover a fire by telephone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Dr. Keenan's perspective as an educator, sound judgment, commitment to Collegiate's values, and wise counsel were invaluable to our school.

The New York Times

Mr. Forrester was undeterred, however, and said that a senator needed sound judgment rather than just a long résumé.

The New York Times

Mr Arkin described Mr Belnick as a lawyer of "sound judgment and unquestionable probity".

The Guardian - Business

There's not a whole of sound judgment going on these days (though whether it is worse than in the past, I can't be sure), so it's not common.

Independent

"After years of being told that Democrats have to talk, act and vote like John McCain to pass some commander-in-chief test," Mr. Obama said, "how many times do we have to learn that tough talk is not a substitute for sound judgment?" In his prepared remarks, Mr. Obama did not mention Mrs. Clinton or respond to the questions she has raised about his experience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sound judgment", ensure the context clearly supports the idea that the decision or opinion is based on careful thought and good reasoning. For emphasis, follow it with an explanation of the rationale.

Common error

Avoid using "a sound judgment" when you are uncertain or lack sufficient information. Ensure your assertion is supported by evidence and logical reasoning to avoid undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sound judgment" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or follows a preposition, describing a quality of decision-making or assessment. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sound judgment" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a well-reasoned and sensible decision or assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. When writing, remember that while there are many semantically similar alternatives, such as "a wise decision" or "a sensible conclusion", "a sound judgment" emphasizes the reliability and logical basis of the decision. Ensure your usage is supported by evidence and reasoning to maintain credibility. The authoritative sources, particularly The New York Times and The Guardian, underscore its established usage in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wise decision

Emphasizes the wisdom and intelligence behind the decision.

a sensible conclusion

Focuses on the rationality and practicality of the conclusion.

a well-reasoned opinion

Highlights the logical basis and thought process leading to the opinion.

a judicious assessment

Stresses the careful and balanced nature of the assessment.

a prudent call

Implies careful consideration of risks and consequences.

a considered verdict

Suggests a thorough and thoughtful evaluation.

a sagacious determination

Highlights the wisdom and insight behind the determination.

an informed decision

Emphasizes that the decision is made after gathering relevant information.

a logical deduction

Focuses on the logical and step-by-step reasoning process.

a smart move

Highlights the cleverness and advantageous nature of the action.

FAQs

What does "a sound judgment" mean?

The phrase "a sound judgment" refers to a decision or opinion that is well-reasoned, sensible, and based on careful consideration of the available information. It implies that the judgment is reliable and likely to be correct.

How can I use "a sound judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "a sound judgment" to describe someone's ability to make good decisions, or to commend a specific decision. For example, "The manager demonstrated "a sound judgment" in handling the crisis" or "That was "a sound judgment" given the circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "a sound judgment"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a wise decision", "a sensible conclusion", "a well-reasoned opinion", or "a judicious assessment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sound judgment" or "good judgment"?

Both "sound judgment" and "good judgment" are acceptable. "Sound judgment" emphasizes the reliability and logical basis of the judgment, while "good judgment" is more general and focuses on the positive outcome. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.