common sense thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common sense thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is generally understood or accepted as logical or reasonable by most people. Example: "It's a common sense thing to wear a seatbelt while driving to ensure your safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They concluded, Louis said, that "the common sense thing to do is to combine the shaving cream with the razor".

The New York Times

"This neighborhood is so safe, but not everybody puts on their city smarts and remembers to do the common sense thing and lock their doors," she said.

The New York Times

"If you have an engineer who believes it can be done and the political will to do it, it seems like the common sense thing to do," she said.

The New York Times

It would require viewing police through the lens of the despised, not as a member of the protected majority class for whom dialing 911 poses no risk but is a common sense thing to do.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's kind of a common sense thing," Mansfield says.

Science Magazine

"Put those two things together and moving is a common sense thing to do". Derby County Ladies were formed in 1990 as Beacon Wanderers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"There's some common sense things about the way things should be done," he said.

The Guardian

All three advised me to do the common sense things before spending heavily on fancy kit.

The Guardian

"There are common sense things we should do to plug the holes in the regulatory system... and to bring more transparency to financial transactions.

The New York Times

We come from a breed of Australians who were taught values, morals, honesty, work ethic and common sense – things very much lacking today.

The Guardian

Most of them passed the test first time - it covered common sense things like washing your hands before handling food.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common sense thing" to describe actions or ideas that are generally considered logical and practical by most people. For example, "Wearing a helmet while cycling is a "common sense thing" to do."

Common error

While "common sense thing" is acceptable, avoid relying on it too heavily. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using more specific and descriptive alternatives such as "practical approach" or "sensible idea" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common sense thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or a direct object, describing something that is considered logical, practical, or widely accepted. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English and refers to something generally understood or accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "common sense thing" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes something as logical or practical. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently used in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While it is generally acceptable, writers should avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives for formal writing. The related phrases like "sensible idea" or "practical approach" can offer greater specificity. Remember to use it appropriately to make your writing clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational choice

Focuses on the logical reasoning behind the selection.

sensible idea

Highlights the rationality and good judgment behind an idea.

reasonable action

Stresses the justifiability and fairness of an action.

practical approach

Focuses on the practicality rather than the intuitive nature.

wise decision

Emphasizes the intelligence and foresight involved.

sound judgment

Implies wisdom and careful evaluation.

logical step

Emphasizes the step-by-step reasoning process.

basic wisdom

Highlights fundamental knowledge that most people are expected to know.

prudent measure

Highlights the cautious and strategic nature of the action.

intuitive solution

Stresses the immediate understanding and simplicity of the solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "common sense thing" to describe an action, decision, or idea that most people would consider logical or reasonable. For example, "Locking your doors at night is a "common sense thing" to do."

What are some alternatives to "common sense thing"?

Some alternatives include "logical step", "reasonable action", "sensible idea", or "practical approach". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "common sense thing" formal or informal?

"Common sense thing" leans towards the informal side. While it's widely understood, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "rational choice" or "prudent measure".

Can "common sense thing" be used in academic writing?

While understandable, "common sense thing" is generally too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, opt for more precise and formal language to convey your meaning, for example "logical step" or "reasonable action".