it was sensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sensible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a decision, action, or idea that is reasonable or logical. Example: "After considering all the options, I concluded that it was sensible to choose the more affordable plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked about the comparisons between Brexit and Iceland's emergency in 2010, the Cabinet Office said it was sensible to use examples as part of its extensive training programme.

The Guardian

The decision was as rare as it was sensible.

The New York Times

He also questioned whether it was sensible to sell firearms in supermarkets such as Walmart.

Independent

John Maples, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "This shows it was sensible to stay out".

The Guardian

That is why it was sensible of the government to develop the concept of catchment management.

The Guardian - Opinion

Duncan Smith was on the programme later, saying that it was sensible to implement UC carefully.

The Guardian

Now, looking back, I can see that the decision to end it was sensible, practical.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ukrainian officials said it was sensible to delay it because EU state leaders could not attend.

The Guardian

He also said it was "sensible" for women to get "those taxes removed".

The Guardian

He structured Germany's game, passed the ball when it was sensible, tackled when it was necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

If you believed that women were not inferior to men at chess, it was sensible to take them on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sensible" to justify a past decision or action, explaining why it was the most reasonable choice given the available information.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it was sensible" without explaining why it was sensible. Always provide the reasoning or circumstances that made the decision logical. Providing the 'why' reinforces your point and makes your argument more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sensible" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing that a past action, decision, or consideration was reasonable, logical, or prudent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was sensible" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to justify or validate a past decision as logical or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While suitable for various contexts, including news, general discussions, and professional settings, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or scientific writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its widespread use in explaining and analyzing events. Remember to provide context to enhance understanding and avoid overuse without proper justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed reasonable

Focuses on the perception of reasonableness rather than a definitive judgment.

it appeared logical

Highlights the logical aspect of the decision or action.

it proved prudent

Emphasizes the wisdom and carefulness of the decision.

it turned out wise

Indicates that the wisdom of the decision became apparent over time.

it made sense

A more informal way of saying it was logical or reasonable.

it was a smart move

Highlights the cleverness or strategic advantage of the action.

it was the right thing to do

Focuses on the ethical or moral correctness of the action.

it was advisable

Suggests that the action was recommended or considered best practice.

it was a good idea

A general expression indicating a positive evaluation of the idea.

it was judicious

Implies careful consideration and good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "it was sensible" in a sentence?

Use "it was sensible" to describe a decision or action that was logical or reasonable given the circumstances. For example, "After considering the risks, "it was sensible" to postpone the trip".

What can I say instead of "it was sensible"?

You can use alternatives like "it seemed reasonable", "it appeared logical", or "it proved prudent" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "it was sensible" or "it is sensible"?

The choice depends on the time frame you are referring to. "It was sensible" refers to a past decision, while "it is sensible" refers to a current or future course of action.

What's the difference between "it was sensible" and "it was wise"?

While both suggest a good decision, ""it was sensible"" implies logic and reason, whereas "it was wise" often carries a connotation of foresight and long-term benefit.