in a sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'in a sense' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that a statement is partly, but not completely, true. For example: "The sky is blue in a sense, but also includes a range of other colors when the sun is setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a sense, yes.

The Economist

Yes, in a sense.

The Economist

In a sense she was.

The New York Times

In a sense it was.

Independent

In a sense they have.

The New York Times - Arts

In a sense, that's perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

"In a sense, I'm optimist.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, in a sense, both.

The New York Times

She's right, in a sense.

The Economist

In a sense, nothing much.

The Economist

In a sense, it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a sense" to introduce a qualified statement, acknowledging another perspective or limitation. For example: "The project failed, "in a sense", because of lack of funding, but the team learned valuable lessons."

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences with "in a sense" within a short passage, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your introductory phrases for smoother reading.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "in a sense" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a statement is true only to a certain degree or from a specific perspective. Ludwig confirms its usage in qualifying statements across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a sense" is a versatile tool for writers to introduce qualifications and perspectives into their statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, be mindful of overuse and explore alternatives like "in a way" or "to some extent" for variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can enhance the precision and depth of your writing, adding layers of meaning while acknowledging other valid viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a way

Emphasizes a particular perspective or aspect of a situation.

to some extent

Highlights a degree of truth or applicability, but not entirely.

in a manner

Focuses on the how or the method something is done, similar to considering a specific angle.

in some ways

Acknowledges multiple aspects while agreeing with one or more.

to a degree

Implies a limited or partial agreement or resemblance.

in a fashion

Suggests a specific style or method, often implying it might not be conventional.

sort of

Indicates an informal agreement or resemblance.

kind of

Similar to "sort of", suggesting an approximation or loose categorization.

after a fashion

Suggests a resemblance that may be imperfect or unconventional.

in some measure

Indicates that something is true or applicable to a certain degree.

FAQs

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

Use "in a sense" to qualify a statement, indicating that it's true from a particular perspective or to a certain extent. For example, "He was, "in a sense", already chosen".

What are some alternatives to using "in a sense"?

You can use alternatives such as "in a way", "to some extent", or "in some ways" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "in a sense" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Placing "in a sense" at the beginning of a sentence is a common way to introduce a qualification or perspective. For instance, "In a sense, the mutinies were successful".

What's the difference between "in a sense" and "literally"?

"In a sense" implies a non-literal or qualified truth, while "literally" means exactly as stated. They are near opposites; use "in a sense" when something is true from a certain viewpoint, and "literally" when something is true in the strictest meaning of the word.