sensible action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensible action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or behavior that is reasonable and practical in a given situation. Example: "In times of crisis, taking sensible action can help mitigate the impact of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That was not a very sensible action; he could simply have bid seven spades.

The New York Times - Books

Or even a black mark against you in the chain's guest database.This is an entirely sensible action by the hotels*.

The Economist

But any sensible action that wasn't driven by vote-catching ideology would be welcomed by Tory councils too.

The Guardian

That episode, which left tens of millions without power on August 14th, has pushed Congress to act on energy though this is no guarantee of sensible action.

The Economist

"Chris really is keen to encourage people to make constructive choices and take sensible action," she says, "so it's not just a punch in the gut.

The Guardian

This was a sensible action, the basic guideline being that if you would have responded after a pass on your right, you try to do something when your right-hand opponent intervenes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Therefore, we feel that targeted, sensible actions by the federal government will provide relief for us now".

The New York Times

"If we take sensible actions that involve more fiscal, more monetary stimulus, we can start growing again, we can bring that unemployment rate down to much more normal levels," Ms. Romer said in the same forum as Mr. Stiglitz.

The New York Times

"This is a way of really putting his money where his mouth is -- or really, putting his lower salary where his mouth is," Hillary Hart, former faculty council executive committee chair at UT-Austin, told HuffPost, explaining that Fenves has spoken about taking sensible actions.

Huffington Post

Control tasks for animals or machines (systems) require sensible actions that follow from the current state of the system.

Biological Cybernetics

Sensible actions depend on knowing precisely what is going on, which in turn depends on good quality data.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for a course of action, emphasize how it aligns with common sense and practical considerations by using the phrase "sensible action".

Common error

Avoid using "sensible action" when describing responses to deeply emotional or traumatic events. The phrase can sound dismissive or insensitive in contexts that call for empathy and understanding rather than practicality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible action" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'sensible' modifies the noun 'action'. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used to describe a decision or behavior that is reasonable and practical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensible action" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes actions based on reason and practicality. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. For alternative phrasing, consider "prudent action" or "wise action". It is crucial, though, to avoid using this phrase in contexts that demand empathy rather than practicality. This guide provides insights into effectively using "sensible action" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent action

Emphasizes caution and foresight in the action taken.

wise action

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment behind the action.

judicious action

Suggests that the action is well-considered and balanced.

rational action

Focuses on the logical and reasoned basis for the action.

logical action

Highlights that the action is consistent with reason or logic.

intelligent action

Emphasizes the smart and insightful nature of the action.

expedient action

Highlights the usefulness and effectiveness of the action in achieving a specific goal.

appropriate action

Indicates that the action is suitable and fitting for the situation.

well-considered action

Implies that the action has been carefully thought out and planned.

reasonable step

Suggests a moderate and justifiable action within a process.

FAQs

How can I use "sensible action" in a sentence?

You can use "sensible action" to describe a rational or practical course of action, such as, "Taking "sensible action" in a crisis can help mitigate the damage."

What are some alternatives to "sensible action"?

Alternatives include "prudent action", "wise action", or "judicious action", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sensible action" formal or informal?

"Sensible action" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to fit well in various communication settings.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sensible action"?

It's appropriate to use "sensible action" when describing a course of action that is based on reason, practicality, and good judgment, particularly when emphasizing the logical or beneficial aspects of that action.