looks sensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks sensible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be reasonable or logical based on observation or consideration. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, it looks sensible to proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

However, the strategy to reduce short dated debt looks sensible.

The Guardian - Business

Not by its argument, which in outline looks sensible enough.

The New York Times - Books

And indeed, Ed Miliband's refusal to match Mr Cameron's referendum pledge looks sensible.

The Economist

And on the face of it you can see why that looks sensible – inspired even.

The Guardian - Opinion

A cautious approach looks sensible, at least for the next few months.

The Guardian - Money

There are no risk-free $3.2bn acquisitions, but this one looks sensible, as the 2.5% rise in Amec's shares suggested.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

From the individual firm's perspective this looked sensible.

The Economist

The dainty kitten heels looked sensible at first, until closer inspection revealed that they were odd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There would be no real science behind the equation, but it would look sensible and convincing".

The Guardian

The Louis Vuitton logo pattern, which looked sensible on a valise, seemed surreal on a knee-length coat.

The New Yorker

Is it damning with faint praise to say of the black coats that they looked sensible and warm?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks sensible" when you want to convey that something appears reasonable or logical at first glance, but be prepared to provide further justification if challenged. Ensure the context clearly supports the initial impression of reasonableness.

Common error

Avoid using "looks sensible" as a substitute for rigorous analysis. While it's useful for quick assessments, always back up the initial impression with concrete evidence or data to prevent decisions based solely on superficial evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks sensible" functions primarily as a subjective assessment, indicating that something gives the impression of being reasonable or logical. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used expression in English. It serves to offer an initial evaluation based on observation or consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks sensible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something appears reasonable or logical, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, but particularly prevalent in News & Media. While "looks sensible" offers a quick assessment, ensure to back it with concrete evidence, and also, use alternatives like "seems reasonable" and "appears logical" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes sense

A more concise way of saying something is logical or understandable.

seems reasonable

Replaces "looks" with "seems", focusing on the apparent rationality.

appears logical

Emphasizes the logical aspect of the observation, using "appears" instead of "looks".

sounds reasonable

Focuses on the impression given when heard or considered.

is a good idea

Indicates approval and practicality.

is a wise move

Highlights the prudence and good judgment behind the action.

is a smart decision

Emphasizes the intelligence and foresight involved.

is well-advised

Suggests that the action has been carefully considered and recommended.

is justifiable

Indicates that there are valid reasons and evidence to support the action.

holds water

An idiomatic expression meaning the argument or plan is sound and defensible.

FAQs

How can I use "looks sensible" in a sentence?

You can use "looks sensible" to describe a plan, idea, or course of action that appears reasonable or logical upon initial assessment. For example, "The proposed budget cuts "looks sensible" given the company's current financial situation."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "looks sensible"?

Alternatives to "looks sensible" include "seems reasonable", "appears logical", or "makes sense". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "appears sensible" instead of "looks sensible"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "appears sensible" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "looks sensible". However, the difference is minimal, and either phrase is suitable for most professional contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "looks sensible"?

It's appropriate to use "looks sensible" when you want to express that something seems reasonable based on available information, without necessarily implying that you've conducted an exhaustive analysis. It's often used as a preliminary assessment.