environmentally sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"environmentally sound" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a process or action that does not negatively impact the environment. For example: The organization is committed to implementing environmentally sound practices in all their operations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because they're environmentally sound?

The New York Times

It's environmentally sound".

The New York Times

"It's an environmentally sound plan.

The New York Times

"One that is environmentally sound".

The New York Times

Recycling in an environmentally sound manner is expensive.

The Economist

Sponsored by the Committee for Environmentally Sound Development.

The New York Times - Arts

Provide incentives for cities to invest in environmentally sound infrastructure?

The New York Times

"It's environmentally sound and economically sound," she said.

The New York Times

Walking is a sociable and environmentally sound activity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some types of waste exports are environmentally sound, experts say.

The New York Times - Science

The firm attempts to both sell them at a profit and follow environmentally sound practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or practice, explicitly state which environmental aspects are positively impacted to strengthen your argument. For instance, instead of saying "This product is "environmentally sound", specify: "This product is "environmentally sound" because it reduces carbon emissions and uses recycled materials."

Common error

Avoid using "environmentally sound" as a blanket statement without providing evidence or details. General claims can weaken your message. Always back up the assertion with concrete examples or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "environmentally sound" functions as an adjective used to describe something that is not harmful to the environment. It commonly modifies nouns such as "practices", "policies", "technologies", or "solutions", as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "environmentally sound" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to describe actions, products, or policies that minimize harm to the environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reports to business communications. While "environmentally sound" is frequently employed, writers should ensure they provide specific details and avoid overuse without clear evidence to support their claims. Alternatives such as "ecologically sound" or "sustainable" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecologically sound

Replaces "environmentally" with "ecologically", focusing on the broader ecosystem.

ecologically sustainable

Combines ecological focus with sustainability for long-term environmental health.

environmentally responsible

Shifts focus to the active responsibility taken towards the environment.

eco-friendly

A more casual and commonly used term for being environmentally beneficial.

sustainable

Highlights the ability to maintain environmental integrity over time.

green

A simple and widely understood term for environmentally positive actions.

conservation-minded

Emphasizes the preservation aspect of environmental practices.

earth-friendly

Similar to "eco-friendly" but emphasizes the planet as a whole.

nature-friendly

Highlights the compatibility with natural environments.

planet-conscious

Focuses on awareness and concern for the planet's well-being.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be "environmentally sound"?

When something is described as "environmentally sound", it means that it's designed or implemented in a way that minimizes harm to the environment. This often includes reducing pollution, conserving resources, and promoting sustainability.

How can I use "environmentally sound" in a sentence?

You can use "environmentally sound" to describe actions, products, or policies. For instance: "The company adopted an "environmentally sound" waste management program." or "Solar energy is an "environmentally sound" alternative to fossil fuels."

What are some alternatives to saying "environmentally sound"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ecologically sound", "eco-friendly", "sustainable", or "green" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "environmentally sound" and "environmentally friendly"?

"Environmentally sound" implies a more rigorous assessment of environmental impact, suggesting that the action or product has been thoroughly evaluated and proven to minimize harm. "Environmentally friendly" is often used more broadly to indicate a general positive impact. While similar, "environmentally sound" emphasizes validation of minimal environmental impact.