be sensible

USAGE SUMMARY

"be sensible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as an imperative when giving advice or making a suggestion, for example: "Be sensible and get an early night – you have an exam tomorrow!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be Sensible.

Princeton University

We should be sensible".

The New Yorker

This might be sensible.

University of California, Berkeley

Woolliness may be sensible economics.

The Economist

That cannot be sensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

There may be sensible exceptions.

The Economist

His ecumenism may be sensible.

The Economist

That said, be sensible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All these proposals may be sensible enough.

The Economist

Be sensible was the message.

The Guardian - Sport

Or you can be sensible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone in a potentially risky situation, use "be sensible" to encourage caution and careful consideration. For instance, "Before investing all your savings, be sensible and consult a financial advisor."

Common error

While "be sensible" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In those contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "exercise sound judgment" or "adopt a judicious approach."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sensible" primarily functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and acceptable phrase in English, commonly used to urge someone to act with good judgment or common sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

37%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sensible" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile imperative phrase used to advise or encourage rational thought and sound judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English. It's most common in news, media, and wiki content, reflecting its everyday applicability. While generally neutral to informal, consider more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use "be sensible" when you want someone to think carefully and avoid potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use good judgment

Focuses more on the act of making decisions wisely.

act reasonably

Emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with reason.

exercise common sense

Highlights the application of practical intelligence in everyday situations.

be practical

Stresses the importance of being realistic and effective in one's approach.

keep a level head

Implies maintaining composure and clear thinking, especially in difficult situations.

think carefully

Highlights the importance of thorough consideration before acting.

be wise

Suggests making choices based on experience and understanding.

be smart

Emphasizes the use of intelligence and knowledge.

apply discretion

Focuses on being careful and using good judgment to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

make sound decisions

Highlights the quality and reliability of the choices being made.

FAQs

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

You can use "be sensible" as an imperative to advise someone to act with good judgment. For example, "Be sensible and don't drive if you're tired."

What's a more formal way to say "be sensible"?

In formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "exercise sound judgment", "act prudently", or "apply judicious reasoning". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

When is it appropriate to use "be sensible"?

"Be sensible" is appropriate in a wide range of everyday situations when you want to encourage someone to think carefully and make rational decisions. It's suitable for conversations with friends, family, or colleagues.

Is "be sensible" the same as "be sensitive"?

No, "be sensible" and "be sensitive" have different meanings. "Be sensible" means to act with good judgment and reason, while "be sensitive" means to be aware of and considerate towards the feelings of others.