common sense prevails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common sense prevails" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it in a situation when someone comes to a rational and thoughtful decision based on sound judgement. For example, "The judge's decision to dismiss the case was based on common sense. It was clear that common sense prevailed in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Common sense prevails here, folks.

Stanford University

When common sense prevails they can buy me a pint.

The Guardian - Opinion

With respect to the indifference of Vietnamese readers to the subject of the war, though, common sense prevails.

The New York Times

"You (as the club) are at a disadvantage to a certain extent, you're hoping common sense prevails".

Independent

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, my -- you know, look, my hope is, is that common sense prevails, you know?

The New York Times

"I hope that common sense prevails," Mr. Dolgov told a judge before he was ordered held for two months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Why doesn't such common sense prevail?

The Economist

"You have to let common sense prevail," he said.

The New York Times

If his pragmatism and common sense prevail, Mr. Romney would do the same.

The Washington Post

In private life in the United States, he has let common sense prevail.

The New York Times

Eventually common sense prevailed and the government backed off, realizing that legal action would have made a bad situation worse.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common sense prevails" when you want to emphasize that a logical, practical, or reasonable solution has been or should be adopted, especially in situations where emotions or biases might otherwise cloud judgement.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "common sense prevails" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated or precise language to convey the same meaning, such as "rationality triumphed" or "sound judgement predominated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common sense prevails" typically functions as a statement or assertion, indicating that logical and practical thinking has been, is, or should be the deciding factor in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "common sense prevails" is a correct and commonly used expression indicating that logical and practical thinking is the deciding factor. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, with a higher frequency in news and media. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more sophisticated language in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "reason triumphs" or "rationality prevails" can offer a more refined tone. Remember to emphasize rationality and practicality when employing this phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rationality prevails

This alternative highlights the dominance of rational thinking.

sound thinking wins

This alternative emphasizes the success of well-reasoned thought.

reason triumphs

This alternative focuses on the victory of logical thought.

level-headedness prevails

This alternative emphasizes the dominance of a calm and composed approach.

logic wins out

This alternative emphasizes the success of a logical approach.

good judgement triumphs

This alternative focuses on the victory of a high-quality decision-making process.

practicality triumphs

This alternative focuses on the victory of a realistic and pragmatic approach.

wisdom prevails

This alternative suggests that insightful understanding is the deciding factor.

prudence triumphs

This alternative highlights the victory of careful and cautious behavior.

sanity wins

This alternative implies that a balanced and sound mindset is victorious.

FAQs

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

You can use "common sense prevails" to indicate that a logical and practical decision has been made, as in "After a lengthy debate, "common sense prevails" and the project was approved".

What's the difference between "common sense prevails" and "common sense prevailed"?

"Common sense prevails" suggests that common sense is currently winning or is expected to win, while "common sense prevailed" indicates that common sense has already won in a past situation.

Are there situations where it's better to avoid using "common sense prevails"?

In highly formal or technical writing, using more precise and sophisticated language might be preferable to "common sense prevails". Consider alternatives like "rationality triumphed" or "sound judgment predominated".

What can I say instead of "common sense prevails"?

You can use alternatives like "reason triumphs", "logic wins out", or "rationality prevails" depending on the specific context.