sense of proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of proportion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the ability to understand and judge relative size, importance, or appropriateness in a situation. Example: It is important for leaders to have a sense of proportion when making decisions, considering all factors and potential outcomes. Another example: Her sense of proportion was evident in the way she allocated resources and responsibilities among team members, resulting in a successful project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sense of proportion.

The New York Times

"But you lose all sense of proportion".

Independent

But a sense of proportion is necessary.

Independent

Nice sense of proportion there.

The Guardian

But let's keep a sense of proportion.

The Guardian

Whatever happened to a sense of proportion?

The Guardian - Opinion

Am I the only one losing a sense of proportion?

The Guardian - Music

It is vital, however, to maintain a sense of proportion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The best defence is a sense of proportion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You can't get that sense of proportion from a plan.

The New York Times

So what we need is a sense of proportion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sense of proportion", consider the context to ensure that the specific nuance you intend to convey—whether it relates to scale, importance, or appropriateness—is clear to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of proportion" in situations where the disparity is already glaringly obvious. It's most effective when pointing out subtler imbalances or discrepancies that might otherwise be overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of proportion" functions as a noun phrase that describes the ability to understand and judge the relative importance, size, or appropriateness of things. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its established grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of proportion" is a noun phrase used to describe the ability to judge the relative importance, size, or appropriateness of things. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and very common phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, it emphasizes the need for balance and perspective in various situations. Related phrases include "balanced perspective" and "reasonable judgment". Remember to use it in contexts where highlighting imbalance or discrepancies is relevant and avoid overstating the obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perspective

Highlights the ability to see things in their true relation or importance, often lacking the element of scale or comparison.

balanced perspective

Emphasizes the balance and objectivity in one's viewpoint, rather than the ability to judge size or importance.

relative importance

Focuses specifically on the significance of things, omitting considerations of scale or appropriateness.

reasonable judgment

Focuses on the soundness and fairness of one's decisions, highlighting rationality over emotional reactions.

sense of scale

Concentrates on the relative size and dimensions of things, lacking the elements of judgement of importance.

proper assessment

Highlights the accuracy and correctness of an assessment, lacking the comparative dimension.

level-headedness

Refers to maintaining a calm and rational demeanor, particularly in stressful situations, rather than assessing relative importance.

apt evaluation

Underscores the quality of being suitable or appropriate in an evaluation, rather than considering magnitude.

appropriate scale

Concentrates specifically on the idea of size and relative dimensions, omitting elements of importance or emotional response.

right sizing

Centers on the adjustment of dimensions to match a context or situation, without encompassing general judgment or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of proportion" to describe someone's ability to judge the relative importance of things, as in, "It's important to maintain a "sense of proportion" when dealing with minor setbacks."

What does it mean to lack a "sense of proportion"?

To lack a "sense of proportion" means to not understand or appreciate the relative importance or scale of things, often leading to overreactions or misjudgments.

Which is the correct way to use "sense of proportion", and are there common misuses?

The phrase "sense of proportion" is generally used correctly as is. A common misuse might involve using it when a simpler term like "perspective" or "judgment" would be more fitting.

What are some related phrases to "sense of proportion" that I could use instead?

You can use alternatives like "balanced perspective", "reasonable judgment", or simply "perspective" depending on the context.