apply some common sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply some common sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should use practical judgment or reasoning in a situation. Example: "When making decisions, it's important to apply some common sense to avoid unnecessary complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I encourage employers to apply some common sense.

The New York Times

At some point, a senior figure needed to think a little harder about customer service and apply some common sense.

The Economist

We need to apply some common sense now and ban consumer wireless communications of all kinds at the federal level, whenever the vehicle is in gear.

The New York Times

But let's apply some common sense here: if a film is basic enough to be laid bare in a two-minute trailer, then it probably isn't worth seeing in full.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it is important for us to make sure that we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"I will say this, as the father of two daughters: I think it is important for us to make sure that we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"He's looking at something that a lot of us took for granted and applying some common sense to it," says paleontologist Christopher Brochu of the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Science Magazine

This prosecutor, however, objected to that scenario, and applied some common sense.

Huffington Post

Bob Dole (R-Kan)., the Senate majority leader, said: "Americans are demanding that we get government off their backs by eliminating unnecessary regulations and applying some common sense before enacting regulations that are necessary.

Los Angeles Times

There has to be some common sense applied to your standard when those in power use the media to harm their enemies.

The New York Times

"We need some common sense applied to this.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "apply some common sense", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. The speaker should understand the expected outcome or goal.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone possesses the same level of "common sense" or understanding. Explicitly state expectations to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply some common sense" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to employ sound judgment and practical reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apply some common sense" is a well-established and frequently used expression in English, primarily functioning as an imperative to encourage practical and logical thinking. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, most notably in news and media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both professional and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid misunderstandings and that you're not overestimating shared knowledge. Alternatives such as "exercise sound judgment" or "use practical wisdom" can be used to achieve the same objective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise sound judgment

Emphasizes the act of making well-reasoned decisions.

use practical wisdom

Highlights the employment of experience and insight.

employ rational thought

Focuses on the application of logical and systematic reasoning.

show good sense

Indicates the demonstration of prudence and sensible behavior.

be reasonable

Suggests being fair, practical, and level-headed in approach.

think logically

Highlights using a coherent and rational thought process.

use one's head

Implies thinking clearly and intelligently in a situation.

act prudently

Focuses on behaving with care and forethought to avoid risks.

adopt a sensible approach

Suggests using a practical and realistic method.

maintain perspective

Emphasizes keeping a balanced and objective viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "apply some common sense" in a sentence?

You can use "apply some common sense" when you want to suggest that someone should use practical judgment or reasoning in a particular situation. For example, "When evaluating the data, "apply some common sense" to identify any outliers."

What are some alternatives to "apply some common sense"?

Alternatives include "exercise sound judgment", "use practical wisdom", or "employ rational thought" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "apply common sense" or "use common sense"?

Both "apply common sense" and "use common sense" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference, although "apply" might suggest a more deliberate action.

What does it mean to "apply common sense" in a situation?

To "apply common sense" means to use practical intelligence, basic reasoning, and sound judgment based on everyday knowledge and experience to navigate a situation effectively. It involves thinking in a logical and practical way, rather than adhering strictly to rules or abstract theories.