is sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used—in a literal sense—when describing something that is free from physical damage, or metaphorically to refer to something being well-considered, reliable, and valid. For example: "The advice he gave me is sound; I'm confident the decision I made was the right one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is sound advice.

The New York Times

The logic is sound.

The Economist

The economy is sound.

The New York Times

The reasoning is sound.

The Economist

This is sound advice.

The Guardian

It is sound policy.

The New York Times

Only politeness is sound".

The New York Times

HUNTSMAN: Our strategy is sound.

The New York Times

The central idea is sound.

The New York Times - Tech

His pass blocking is sound.

The New York Times

The reform logic is sound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is sound" to indicate that an idea, plan, or object is well-reasoned, reliable, or in good condition. For example, "The methodology is sound and robust".

Common error

While "is sound" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "makes sense" or "is good" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is sound" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is valid, reliable, or in good condition. Examples include "The logic is sound" and "The economy is sound".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is sound" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is valid, reliable, or in good condition. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and technical writing. While its register is generally neutral to professional, it can also appear in informal settings. When writing, consider using "is sound" to express confidence in the quality or validity of a plan, idea, or object. Alternatives like "is valid", "is correct", and "is reasonable" can provide subtle differences in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "is sound" into your writing to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is valid

Focuses more on the logical or legal correctness.

is reliable

Indicates consistent performance or accuracy.

is correct

Emphasizes factual accuracy or adherence to rules.

is solid

Emphasizes strength and stability.

is well-founded

Implies a strong basis in evidence or reason.

is reasonable

Highlights the logical or practical justification.

is justifiable

Suggests a moral or ethical basis.

holds up

Suggests withstanding scrutiny or testing.

is in good condition

Refers to the physical state or health of something.

is dependable

Highlights reliability and trustworthiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "is sound" to express that something is well-reasoned, reliable, or in good condition. For example, "The plan is sound in theory" or "His pass blocking is sound".

What are some alternatives to "is sound"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is valid", "is correct", or "is reasonable" instead of "is sound".

When is it appropriate to use "is sound"?

"Is sound" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you want to convey that something is logically correct, reliable, or in good condition. Consider the specific nuance you want to express when choosing between it and alternative phrases.

Is there a difference between "is sound" and "is solid"?

While both phrases indicate something positive, "is sound" often implies logical or functional integrity, whereas "is solid" emphasizes strength or stability. For example, "The reasoning is sound" focuses on logical validity, while "The structure is solid" emphasizes physical robustness.