against common sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against common sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disapproval or disagreement with a situation or behavior that goes against traditional or widely accepted wisdom and logic. For example: "It seems like the government is making decisions that are totally against common sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

This goes against common sense.

The New York Times

"His behavior obviously went against common sense".

The New York Times

It goes against common sense in every conceivable way.

The Guardian

Against common sense and good judgment, I tried to play in these games.

The New Yorker

Last week, Allen said that he finds the idea of competing to be "against common sense".

The Guardian - Film

"It cuts against common sense in terms of day-to-day workflow".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We're not arguing against common-sense reforms," he said.

The New York Times

To spur that cooperation, the White House and Democrats will make the case, as Mr. Axelrod said, that "it is not good politics" for Republicans "to stand with the big financial interests against common-sense rules to protect the country".

The New York Times

Or rather, that of his party, which has turned so quickly against common-sense solutions to the nation's problems that Romney's real achievements, and prior principles, are now toxic to most Republicans.

The New York Times

In my world, you don't get to call yourself "pro-life" and be against common-sense gun control — like banning public access to the kind of semiautomatic assault rifle, designed for warfare, that was used recently in a Colorado theater.

The New York Times

The United States has one of the highest abortion rates among industrialized nations, yet as deplorable as this is to those in both the abortion rights and anti-abortion movements, some interest groups still wage war against common-sense family planning measures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against common sense" to express strong disagreement or criticism of a decision, action, or idea that seems illogical or imprudent to a majority of people.

Common error

Avoid using "against common sense" when the issue is a matter of personal preference or taste rather than an objective assessment of logic or reason. What one person considers common sense might not be perceived the same way by another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against common sense" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by expressing a quality or characteristic that opposes what is generally considered logical or reasonable. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "against common sense" is a versatile tool for expressing disapproval of illogical or unreasonable actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, notably in News & Media. While offering a direct way to voice disagreement, it's important to consider subjectivity, ensuring it's applied to matters of objective logic rather than personal taste. Alternatives like "contrary to reason" or "defies logic" can add nuanced emphasis. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to reason

Focuses more directly on the opposition to logical thought processes.

defies logic

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding something using logical principles.

runs counter to good judgment

Highlights the conflict with sound decision-making.

goes against the grain

Indicates opposition to the natural or expected course of things.

flies in the face of reason

More emphatic and dramatic way of expressing contradiction of reason.

illogical

Directly states the lack of logic, offering a more concise alternative.

unreasonable

Highlights the lack of justification or rationale.

absurd

Implies a high degree of ridiculousness or nonsensicality.

preposterous

Suggests utter foolishness and lack of credibility.

outlandish

Implies bizarre and unconventional nature beyond what is considered normal.

FAQs

How can I use "against common sense" in a sentence?

You can use "against common sense" to criticize decisions or actions that seem illogical or imprudent, for example: "Cutting funding for education is a policy that goes "against common sense".".

What phrases are similar to "against common sense"?

Alternatives include phrases like "contrary to reason", "defies logic", or "runs counter to good judgment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "against common sense"?

While the phrase is generally acceptable, consider the context. If the matter is highly subjective, using a phrase like "in my opinion" might be more suitable.

What does it mean when something is described as "against common sense"?

It means that the action, decision, or idea being described is considered illogical, unreasonable, or imprudent by a majority of people. It suggests a departure from what most would consider sensible.