sensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sensible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "sensible" to describe someone who is wise or reasonable in their judgements. For example, "He was a sensible person who always thought things through before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Also I think it actually demeans some quite sensible things.

The Guardian

So far, so sensible.

The New York Times

"It is not sensible to talk about this work publicly, in advance.

The Guardian - Business

Party leadership figures lined up to persuade members to vote for an endorsement of "business of usual" on fiscal policy, albeit accepting some amended language committing us explicitly to prioritising sensible stuff like investment in infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added that it would be "sensible" for the CDC to focus its attentions on the same geographical areas as government, although exact details would be up for discussion.

The Guardian

And there is good reason that many mums and dads go back to work when they have babies or toddlers, even if it isn't economically sensible for them to do so at first.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rich can fail to develop sensible long-term financial plans of the kind that all of us can and should do; they still have to cope with the emotional fallout of personal tragedies like Sandberg's.

The Guardian - Money

The response from most sensible people is that foetuses are not persons, whatever they turn out to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We need to initiate research so we can understand the intended and unintended consequences of these methods so that, if we ever do need to deploy them, we can do so in a sensible and effective way".

The Guardian

Referring to the Israeli bombing, Johnson said: "I cannot for the life of me see why this is a sensible strategy.

The Guardian

That seems a sensible approach, and for a woman whose life isn't being hugely compromised by some other overwhelming difficulty, it's probably a fairly easy measure to put into place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensible" to describe decisions, actions, or people that demonstrate good judgment and a practical approach.

Common error

While "sensible" is generally acceptable, opt for words like "prudent" or "judicious" in highly formal writing to convey a more refined sense of wisdom and thoughtfulness.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sensible" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they possess the quality of being practical, reasonable, or showing good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and acceptability in written English. The numerous examples provided demonstrate its descriptive capacity across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Sport

5%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sensible" is a versatile adjective used to describe something as practical, logical, and showing good judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news media, opinion pieces, and lifestyle articles. While "sensible" is widely applicable, more formal alternatives like "prudent" or "judicious" might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. Using "sensible" effectively enhances clarity and persuasiveness by highlighting the rationality and well-considered nature of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable

Implies logical and fair thinking, similar to "sensible" but focuses more on justification.

prudent

Suggests wisdom and carefulness, carrying a connotation of foresight.

practical

Highlights usefulness and effectiveness, contrasting with theoretical or idealistic approaches.

rational

Emphasizes logical and coherent thought processes.

wise

Indicates deep understanding and good judgment, often associated with experience.

sound

Implies reliability and validity, similar to "sensible" in its assessment of judgment.

logical

Focuses on clear, step-by-step reasoning.

judicious

Highlights carefulness and wisdom in decision-making, with a sense of formality.

level-headed

Emphasizes emotional stability and clear thinking, particularly in stressful situations.

realistic

Highlights an acceptance of facts and not indulging in wishful thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "sensible" in a sentence?

You can use "sensible" to describe actions, decisions, or people that show good judgment. For example, "It was a "sensible decision" to invest in renewable energy."

What are some synonyms for "sensible"?

Alternatives to "sensible" include "reasonable", "prudent", "practical", and "rational". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "sensible"?

Yes, saying something is "sensible" is grammatically correct and indicates that it is practical, logical, and shows good judgment.

What's the difference between "sensible" and "sensitive"?

"Sensible" refers to being practical and showing good judgment, while "sensitive" refers to being easily affected by emotions or external stimuli. They have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable.