in whatever sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in whatever sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is applicable or relevant in any interpretation or understanding of a situation. Example: "The concept of freedom can be understood in whatever sense one chooses to define it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

As long as you consider that The Times's own announcements and coverage are not adequate, in whatever sense the public editor considers appropriate, you yourself should investigate.

The New York Times

Once an elected government is deemed illegitimate, in whatever sense, normal democratic politics, with its give and take, is difficult to sustain.

The New Yorker

A national newspaper editor harbouring feelings for his daughter which were so passionate (in whatever sense) that they made him violent towards those that criticised her.

The Guardian - Books

The book is humble, in whatever sense humbleness (understandable in one who has lived so long in the great halls of literature) is a virtue.

The Guardian - Books

"But for me, saying them to a person that I really care about in whatever sense, whatever capacity, is a little tougher, because it doesn't have a first verse, second verse and bridge".

The New York Times - Arts

So, wallow in whatever sense of achievement you can find.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But last year's attack in Riyadh shattered whatever sense of untouchability that existed, and Tuesday's explosion suggested such violence may become a more frequent threat.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whatever sense of security she gained in the move, she said, has now evaporated.

The New York Times

Feel free to try these strategies on their own or do a mix and match in whatever makes sense.

Huffington Post

You need to apply your particular culture to the equation to truly embrace it in whatever ways make sense for you and your employees.

Harvard Business Review

That's not because we had some masterplan, it's just that, on PC, we had the ability to keep taking it in whatever direction made sense to our customers.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, employ "in whatever sense" to preemptively address potential ambiguities in definitions or theoretical frameworks.

Common error

While "in whatever sense" is grammatically correct, overuse can sound overly formal or vague in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "however you mean it" or "in any way" for better clarity and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in whatever sense" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a qualification or clarification. It indicates that a preceding statement or concept should be understood with a degree of flexibility, acknowledging potentially varying interpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and has a recognized usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in whatever sense" serves as a versatile tool for acknowledging multiple interpretations of a concept, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts – particularly in news, science, and academic writing – this phrase signals a willingness to consider different perspectives. While overuse in informal settings may sound affected, it remains a valuable asset for precise and nuanced communication. When aiming to qualify a term that may have multiple understandings or definitions, this phrase can be strategically included to express that flexibility in definition. Be careful to use it correctly in order to not sound ambiguous. The guidance is supported by the source examples and the linguistic analysis, ensuring reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in any interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting something, rather than the inherent sense.

in any understanding

Highlights the comprehension aspect, shifting from the 'sense' to the 'understanding'.

to whatever extent

Emphasizes the degree or scope of something, quantifying rather than qualifying the sense.

in any way

A more general substitute, lacking the specific nuance of 'sense' or meaning.

under any definition

Concentrates on the formal definition, differing from the broader 'sense'.

from every angle

Emphasizes different perspectives rather than the core meaning.

by all accounts

Focuses on summarizing multiple reports or narratives.

in all possible ways

Highlights inclusivity and completeness.

no matter how

Emphasizes the irrelevance of manner or degree.

by any means

Focuses on method or instrument.

FAQs

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

Use "in whatever sense" to acknowledge that a term or concept can be interpreted in multiple ways, allowing for flexibility in understanding. For example, "Success can be defined "in whatever sense" is most meaningful to you."

What phrases are similar to "in whatever sense"?

Alternatives include "in any way", "in any interpretation", or "to whatever extent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "in whatever sense" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in whatever sense" might sometimes sound vague. Ensure its usage adds value by acknowledging multiple interpretations rather than creating ambiguity. If clarity is paramount, consider specifying the intended sense.

What's the difference between "in whatever sense" and "in any sense"?

"In whatever sense" suggests a broad acceptance of varying interpretations, while "in any sense" implies a more general consideration of whether something is true or applicable at all. The former is about flexibility of meaning, the latter about existence or relevance.