sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or perception, or to refer to understanding. For example: "I get a sense of peace whenever I visit the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are united by a common sense of decency".

The Guardian

A statement released on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness and an enormous sense of shock that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.

The Guardian

That makes no sense.

The New York Times

That makes sense.

The New York Times

It doesn't make any sense at all.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

While widely shared, this was an assumption that made absolutely no sense in the case of subprime C.D.O.s.

The Economist

Felix Salmon explains why the first argument doesn't make sense with regard to broker-dealers.

The Economist

This makes sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

The way I figure it, the one terrorist in England with a sense of humor, a man known as Khalid the Droll, had said to the cell, 'I bet I can get them all to take off their shoes in airports.' So this prankster set up poor impressionable Reid and won his bet.

The Economist

It doesn't make sense," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific type of "sense" you're referring to: a sensory experience, an understanding, or good judgment. Choose the word that most accurately conveys your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "sense" for "since". "Sense" relates to perception or understanding, while "since" indicates time or causality. Use the correct word to maintain clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "sense" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a faculty by which the body perceives external stimuli, or a general awareness or understanding. As per Ludwig, this term is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, aligning with its function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

12%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Music

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sense" is a versatile term used to describe sensory perception, understanding, or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and applicable across a wide range of contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as lifestyle and sport contexts, highlights its common usage. To enhance clarity in writing, consider the specific meaning of "sense" you wish to convey—whether it's a "sensory experience", "comprehension", or "sound judgement". Common errors, such as confusing it with "since", should be avoided to ensure precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common sense

Highlights practical intelligence and sound reasoning.

understanding

Highlights the intellectual grasp of a concept or situation.

perception

Emphasizes the awareness and interpretation of sensory information.

awareness

Implies a state of being conscious or informed about something.

feeling

Focuses on the emotional or physical experience.

judgment

Refers to the ability to make considered decisions or form opinions.

intuition

Suggests a direct knowing or feeling without conscious reasoning.

discernment

Stresses the ability to distinguish or discriminate clearly.

apprehension

Indicates a grasp or understanding, often with a nuance of anxiety or foreboding.

logic

Emphasizes the use of reason and valid principles.

FAQs

How can I use "sense" in a sentence?

You can use "sense" to refer to a sensory experience, like in "I have a "sense of smell"". It can also indicate understanding, as in "That makes "sense"".

What's the difference between "sense" and "feeling"?

"Sense" often refers to a general awareness or understanding, while "feeling" typically denotes an emotional or physical sensation. You might have a "sense" of unease, or experience a "feeling of warmth".

What can I say instead of "common sense"?

Alternatives to "common sense" include "practicality", "sound judgment", or "wisdom" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "sense of" or "sence of"?

The correct spelling is "sense of", with an 's' before 'e'. "Sence of" is a misspelling.