perfectly sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfectly sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is logically valid, reliable, or free from flaws. Example: "The argument presented in the paper is perfectly sound, supported by extensive research and evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At first glance this seems perfectly sound.

The Guardian - Opinion

Using dynamic pricing or peak-usage thresholds to reduce usage is a perfectly sound idea.

The Economist

I am perfectly sound, and I have never been sick in my life".

The New York Times - Health

The supergroup was an attempt to turn the perfectly sound rock-group category up to eleven.

The New Yorker

The bearish argument about the euro is based on some perfectly sound economics.

The New Yorker

The solutions are also clear, both globally and locally, and the investments required are perfectly sound.

The Guardian

That was a little-seen movie, so the logic of a direct reworking seems perfectly sound.

The Guardian - Film

No doubt he wouldn't want to document the upper classes for perfectly sound socio-political reasons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was, of course, a perfectly sound legal reason for this seemingly odd decision.

The New Yorker

"The horses go perfectly sound right up to the second they snap their leg off," Mr. Clifton said.

The New York Times

All those banks that collapsed in the crisis were signed off as perfectly sound by PwC and its fellow auditors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perfectly sound", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is valid or reliable. For instance, specify whether it's an argument, a plan, or a piece of advice.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly sound" as a generic endorsement without specifying the basis for its validity. Instead of saying 'That's a perfectly sound idea', explain why it's sound by adding 'because it addresses all key concerns'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly sound" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It's used to describe something as logically valid, reliable, or free from flaws. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, confirming its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perfectly sound" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something as logically valid, reliable, or free from flaws. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media and less so in scientific or formal contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Alternatives include "completely valid" and "entirely reasonable". When using "perfectly sound", ensure the context is clear and specific to avoid overgeneralization, thereby enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely valid

Emphasizes the correctness and logical consistency of something.

entirely reasonable

Highlights the logical and justifiable nature of an idea or action.

totally justifiable

Focuses on the defensible and acceptable aspects of a decision or belief.

fully substantiated

Indicates that something is supported by strong evidence and proof.

absolutely logical

Stresses the clear and rational nature of an argument or conclusion.

unquestionably correct

Asserts the certainty and accuracy of a statement or fact.

thoroughly reliable

Highlights the dependability and trustworthiness of something.

eminently sensible

Emphasizes the practical and wise nature of a course of action.

patently well-founded

Indicates that something is obviously based on solid principles or evidence.

demonstrably valid

Focuses on the provable and verifiable nature of an idea or claim.

FAQs

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

You can use "perfectly sound" to describe something that is logically valid, reliable, or free from flaws. For example: "The argument presented in the paper is perfectly sound, supported by extensive research and evidence."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly sound"?

You can use alternatives like "completely valid", "entirely reasonable", or "totally justifiable" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "perfectly sound"?

While "sound" alone can imply validity, "perfectly sound" emphasizes a higher degree of correctness and reliability. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

Which is correct, "perfectly sound" or "perfectly valid"?

Both "perfectly sound" and "perfectly valid" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Perfectly sound" often refers to the logical integrity of something, while "perfectly valid" emphasizes its formal correctness.