benign sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benign sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that is harmless or not intended to cause offense or harm. Example: "The teacher praised the student's work, stating that it was a benign sentence that conveyed a positive message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By the "dialectic", he means a constant movement between the two sides, between sympathiser and sympathisee, this movement occuring not with likeable characters, but the reverse: "Real sympathy", he says (meaning real novelistic sympathy), "is the benign sentence handed down to those who do not deserve it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For millions of kids in the developing world, seemingly benign common cold symptoms can be a death sentence.

Huffington Post

For negative items, images were rated as being more unpleasant than sentences, t(41) = 4.87, p <.001, d = 0.75, whereas for benign items, images were rated as more pleasant than sentences, t(41) = 2.53, p <.05, d = 0.39 (see Table 1 for means).

Cognition and Emotion

For negative items, images were rated as being more unpleasant than sentences, t(48) = 3.19, p<.002, d = 0.46, whereas for benign items, images were rated as being more pleasant than sentences, t(48) = 2.54, p <.02, d = 0.36.

Cognition and Emotion

The main analysis of reality monitoring accuracy employed sensitivity (d') scores, derived as before and submitted to a repeated-measure ANOVA having two within-participant factors, Source (image, sentence or new) and Valence (negative or benign).

Cognition and Emotion

These data were analysed as before using a repeated-measure ANOVA having within-participant factors of Source (images, sentences or pictures) and Valence (negative or benign).

Cognition and Emotion

However, in both Experiments 1 and 2, imagery was associated with significantly less accurate reality monitoring accuracy than sentences describing the same object, whether negative or benign.

Cognition and Emotion

Mean affective ratings were first entered into a repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) having within-participant factors of Source (images, sentences or pictures) and Emotional Valence (negative or benign).

Cognition and Emotion

The ambassador highlighted the "brutal treatment" of members of Falun Gong, a growing spiritual movement that is widely perceived as benign in the West but has prompted mass arrests and lengthy sentences in China.

The New York Times

It can find malware disguised as benign code in anti-virus software, and uncover discriminatory assumptions baked into predictive policing and criminal sentencing software.

Columbia University

She may behave like a woman with vascular dementia, but expresses herself in her internal voice exactly like a novelist, in beautiful sentences, as if the disease entailed a failure to communicate complex thinking coupled with benign amnesia.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "benign sentence" when you want to describe a sentence that is harmless and doesn't cause any offense. This phrase is useful in contexts where potential for misinterpretation or harm exists.

Common error

Avoid using "benign sentence" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "harmless comment" or "inoffensive remark" would be more appropriate. "Benign sentence" is better suited for formal analyses or when discussing the specific impact of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "benign sentence" functions as a noun phrase acting as a descriptor. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is usable to describe a sentence that has a harmless effect or intention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "benign sentence" is a grammatically sound but relatively rare expression used to describe a sentence that is harmless and without ill intent. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable. While it can fit a range of contexts, it is perhaps better suited for formal contexts or analytical writings. Alternative phrases such as "harmless statement" or "inoffensive remark" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Although, the phrase "benign sentence" may not be a widespread phrase, it is quite versatile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmless statement

Focuses on the lack of potential for harm.

innocuous remark

Emphasizes the lack of offensiveness or controversy.

mildly worded sentence

Highlights the gentle or understated nature of the wording.

gentle expression

Stresses the soft and non-aggressive tone.

non-threatening phrase

Underscores the absence of any perceived danger or intimidation.

unobjectionable statement

Suggests that the sentence is unlikely to cause disagreement or disapproval.

anodyne sentence

Highlights the sentence's blandness or lack of strong effect.

non-inflammatory sentence

Emphasizes that the sentence is not likely to provoke anger or strong negative emotions.

temperate utterance

Focuses on the moderation and control expressed in the sentence.

inoffensive wording

Highlights the lack of potential to cause displeasure or resentment.

FAQs

How can I use "benign sentence" in a sentence?

You can use "benign sentence" to describe a sentence that is harmless or not intended to cause offense. For example: "The teacher praised the student's work, stating that it was a "benign sentence" that conveyed a positive message".

What can I say instead of "benign sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "harmless statement", "innocuous remark", or "mildly worded sentence" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "benign sentence" and "inoffensive sentence"?

"Benign sentence" implies that the sentence is harmless and not intended to cause any negative effects, while "inoffensive sentence" specifically emphasizes that the sentence is not likely to cause offense or displeasure. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the absence of harm in general or the absence of offense specifically.

Is "benign sentence" a common phrase in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "benign sentence" is not a frequently used phrase in academic writing. It's more common to find it in literary analyses or discussions about the impact of language, rather than in scientific or technical writing. Simpler terms might be preferred depending on the context.