common sense

USAGE SUMMARY

'common sense' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'common sense' when referring to something that is generally accepted without needing proof or explanation. For example, "Using common sense can help us make better decisions in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Common sense.

Forbes

Common Sense.

Yale University

Plain common sense.

The New Yorker

That's just common sense".

The New Yorker

And follow common sense.

The New York Times - Food

It's called common sense".

The New York Times

Common sense works".

The New York Times

"More common sense.

Independent

What divine common sense!

The New Yorker

Common sense works here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One is common-sense.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, clearly define the context in which "common sense" is being applied, as what constitutes "common sense" can vary across cultures and situations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same understanding of "common sense". Explicitly state the underlying assumptions or reasoning when relying on it in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common sense" functions primarily as a noun, representing an inherent ability to judge and reason practically about everyday matters. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to something generally accepted without needing proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

25%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common sense" denotes a basic level of practical intelligence and sound judgment widely accepted across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for many situations. While it's predominantly used in neutral registers like news and media, writers should be mindful to define the context when relying on "common sense", avoiding assumptions of universal understanding. Consider alternatives like "sound judgment" or "practical wisdom" in more formal settings to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good sense

A more general term for having reasonable and practical understanding.

sound judgment

Highlights the quality of making well-reasoned decisions.

basic understanding

Underscores the fundamental knowledge needed to grasp situations.

practical wisdom

Emphasizes the wisdom aspect, focusing on experience and judgment.

plain thinking

Suggests clear and straightforward reasoning.

horse sense

An informal term suggesting a basic, practical understanding.

intuitive understanding

Focuses on the immediate and instinctive grasp of a situation.

ordinary intelligence

Focuses on the basic level of intellect needed to understand things.

street smarts

Implies a practical intelligence gained from life experience.

common knowledge

Refers to information widely known and accepted.

FAQs

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

Incorporate "common sense" to emphasize a logical or practical approach to a problem or situation. For example, "Using "good sense" is crucial in making sound decisions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "common sense"?

You can use alternatives like "sound judgment", "practical wisdom", or ""good sense"" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "common sense" in formal writing?

While "common sense" is widely understood, it can sometimes be seen as informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "sound reasoning" or "practical judgment" for added clarity and professionalism.

What does it mean when someone says something is "just common sense"?

It usually means the concept or action is straightforward and should be obvious to anyone. It implies that no specialized knowledge or complex reasoning is required to understand it. Sometimes it can also be used as an alternative for "intuitive understanding".