semblance of sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "semblance of sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or statement that appears to have some logic or reason, even if it is not entirely coherent or rational. Example: "Despite the chaos of the argument, there was a semblance of sense in his reasoning that made me reconsider my stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it gradually succeeds in violently shaking away any semblance of sense.

The New York Times - Books

He's game, he's blithely uninhibited – but it's left to others to make any semblance of sense.

The Guardian

Sample sentence: "After the letters somehow coalesced into words and began making a semblance of sense, the second hurdle was the abhorrent topography of the paragraph".

The Guardian - Books

For me, it's generally the case that an idea for a cartoon springs from a tiny germ that I keep adding to until it builds into something that slowly begins to make a semblance of sense.

The New Yorker

If Mr. Polanski had kept a low profile and his whereabouts unknown, there might be a semblance of sense to this explanation for the three-decade delay, but he is one of the most famous film directors in the world.

The New York Times

Only Kinnear feels confident enough in his role to ride roughshod over the airwaves, although even he has lost the gusto that saw proclaim to the world that he would make Newcastle better and stronger upon his appointment, lest we forget, on a three-year deal, back in June, when what little semblance of sense at this football club ended.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But amid the madness that began with the Mumbai attacks and was further complicated by the announcement of the general elections in India, at last one can spot some semblance of common sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is self-evident that there is a whole range of conduct that anyone with at least a semblance of common sense would know is a failure to provide credible and reliable identification and that would be covered by the statute...

Cornell University

I DREAM about finding restaurants like 360, a storefront in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where passion, generosity, commitment, eccentricity and skill outweigh any semblance of good common sense.

The New York Times - Food

Elevating hope over experience, they have made the judgement that giving the major parties at least a little bit of breathing space is the best way to return to some semblance of policy common sense.

The Guardian

It deserves a swift and decisive death in the Senate if we are to keep a semblance of America's sense of fairness alive.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "semblance of sense" to indicate a situation or argument that has some degree of logic or coherence, even if it's not entirely sound or complete. For example: "Despite the chaos, the plan had a "semblance of sense".

Common error

Avoid using "semblance of sense" when describing something perfectly logical or coherent. The phrase implies an imperfect or incomplete sense of reason. Reserve it for situations where logic is partially present or questionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "semblance of sense" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a degree of logic or coherence that is often incomplete or questionable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "semblance of sense" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe situations that possess a degree of logic or coherence, albeit imperfectly. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is valid and the phrase is appropriate for formal contexts, especially in news and media. While not as strong as "common sense", it's a useful way to express that something has a degree of rationality, even if it's questionable. Related phrases include "hint of rationality" or "air of plausibility".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of rationality

Emphasizes the presence of some rational thought, even if minimal.

touch of reason

Similar to 'hint,' but suggests a more direct connection to logical thought.

vestige of coherence

Highlights a remaining trace of logical connection or order.

air of plausibility

Suggests something seems believable on the surface, though it may not be entirely true.

faint glimmer of logic

Emphasizes the weakness or obscurity of the logical connection.

shade of understanding

Focuses on comprehension being incomplete or superficial.

fragment of lucidity

Highlights a brief or isolated moment of clear thinking.

suggestion of sensibility

Suggests some level of good judgment or practical wisdom.

pretense of logic

Implicates that the logic may be feigned or only apparent.

facade of reason

Implies a deceptive appearance of logical thought or rationale.

FAQs

How can I use "semblance of sense" in a sentence?

Use "semblance of sense" to describe something that appears to make sense, even if it's not entirely logical or coherent. For example: "The project, while ambitious, retained a "semblance of sense" thanks to diligent planning."

What phrases are similar to "semblance of sense"?

Similar phrases include "hint of rationality", "air of plausibility", or "touch of reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "semblance of sense" in formal writing?

Yes, "semblance of sense" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to express that something has a degree of logic, even if it's not perfect. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "semblance of sense" and "common sense"?

"Semblance of sense" implies something appears to make sense but might not be completely rational or logical. "Common sense", on the other hand, refers to sound practical judgment that is widely accepted and understood.