is sensible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is sensible to" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "is sensitive to." Example: "The skin is sensitive to certain chemicals, which can cause irritation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Man Booker is sensible to recognise this.

The Guardian - Books

But it is sensible to take steps to prevent it.

The Economist

Clarke says it is sensible to close outdated prisons.

The Guardian

I think it is sensible to take the money.

Independent

It is sensible to split the remainder among you.

The Guardian

Supporters say it is sensible to avoid the chaos of 1999, when 48 parties fielded candidates.

The Economist

It is sensible to expect one's luggage to be searched on arrival from a foreign destination.

The New York Times

In Argentina, it is sensible to examine such scenarios, and proceed doggedly forward.

The New Yorker

It is sensible to apply some caution when comparing markedly different health systems.

The Guardian

It is sensible to think about the wild card, but proving something now is important, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"I would question whether it is sensible to hold individual shares.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, replace the phrase "is sensible to" with alternatives like "is sensitive to" or "it makes sense to", depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "is sensible to" when you mean "is sensitive to". "Sensible" refers to being practical or reasonable, while "sensitive" means being responsive or susceptible to something. Using "is sensible to" to mean "is sensitive to" is a common grammatical error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is sensible to" functions as a predicate adjective attempting to describe a quality or characteristic. However, according to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "is sensible to" appears frequently across various sources, including news, science, and academia, Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Its intended meaning typically revolves around conveying reasonableness, practicality, or awareness. However, to ensure grammatical accuracy, it's best to opt for alternatives such as "is sensitive to", "it makes sense to", or "is reasonable to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the context to select the most appropriate and grammatically sound alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it makes sense to

Emphasizes that something has a rational explanation

is reasonable to

Stresses the logical and justifiable nature of an action or belief.

is wise to

Highlights the wisdom or prudence in taking a particular action.

is logical to

Focuses on the action being a clear consequence of established facts and principles

is advisable to

Indicates that a course of action is recommended or suggested.

is prudent to

Emphasizes caution and careful consideration in decision-making.

it is judicious to

Highlights the carefulness and good judgment used in decision-making.

is sensitive to

Focuses on responsiveness or awareness to external stimuli or factors rather than general reasonableness.

is smart to

Highlights the action as clever or astute

is right to

Conveys the action as morally or ethically justified.

FAQs

What's the difference between "is sensible to" and "is sensitive to"?

"Is sensible to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A correct alternative is "is sensitive to", indicating responsiveness or awareness. "Sensible" means practical or reasonable, while "sensitive" means easily affected or responsive.

What can I say instead of "is sensible to"?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "is sensible to" include "is reasonable to", "it makes sense to", or "is sensitive to".

Is it ever correct to use "is sensible to"?

While widely used, "is sensible to" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Consider rephrasing using more appropriate alternatives to convey your intended meaning, such as "is wise to" or "is prudent to".

How can I avoid using "is sensible to" incorrectly?

To avoid incorrect usage, consider what you're trying to express. If you mean something is reasonable or practical, use "it makes sense to". If you mean something is easily affected, use "is sensitive to". If you intend to indicate carefulness and good judgment use "is judicious to".