sensible and reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensible and reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions, decisions, or ideas that are logical and practical. Example: "Her proposal was both sensible and reasonable, taking into account the needs of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It's so sensible and reasonable," said Ms. English, who first read the book in 1967.

The New York Times

People in books are sensible and reasonable, but outside there is no predicting what they will do.

The New Yorker

His eminently sensible and reasonable proposal became another battleground for the struggle between the ins and the outs.

The New Yorker

Principally, I don't understand people outside; people in books are sensible and reasonable, but outside there is no predicting what they will do.

The New Yorker

David Cameron has taken a swipe at social media users by insisting "Britain and Twitter are not the same thing" as the country's people "are decent, sensible (and) reasonable".

Independent

The article, written with Mr. McPhee's usual delicacy and attention to detail, made the act of consuming fresh, healthy game — after removing fur and tread marks — seem an utterly sensible and reasonable thing to do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

His brand of humanism comes across as sensible, reasonable and characterised by a generosity of spirit that is often absent from religious strictures, many of which involve compiling lists of what is forbidden and dreaming up creatively horrendous punishments for those who fall short.If Mr Grayling's book is overly donnish, Frans de Waal's is the opposite.

The Economist

"It is a lesson for us all that what is sensible, reasonable, and logical is losing ground in the world today".

Vice

Conclusions: The conclusions are sensible, reasonable and rational.

F1000Research

Obviously the money used to invest in a Trident successor could be used in other productive ways (and other potentially high tech/skill jobs), but the Labour plan to simply build the submarines and not fit then with nuclear missiles shows me that they don't have the backbone, or the will, to come up with a reasonable and economically sensible alternative.

The Guardian

Be reasonable and be sensible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensible and reasonable" to advocate for policies or decisions that balance different perspectives and needs.

Common error

While "sensible and reasonable" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "makes sense" or "sounds good" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible and reasonable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, attributing the qualities of being both practical and logical. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes proposals, solutions, or changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sensible and reasonable" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is both practical and logical. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal discourse. It's a valuable phrase for conveying endorsement and suggesting that something is well-considered and fair. While the phrase is deemed acceptable, consider using more informal alternatives like "makes sense" in casual conversation. By avoiding overuse and understanding its appropriate contexts, you can effectively leverage "sensible and reasonable" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical and sound

Replaces "sensible" with "logical" and "reasonable" with "sound", emphasizing the rationality and validity of the subject.

practical and rational

Substitutes "sensible" with "practical" and "reasonable" with "rational", highlighting the usefulness and logical consistency.

realistic and pragmatic

Uses "realistic" instead of "sensible" and "pragmatic" instead of "reasonable", focusing on real-world applicability and practicality.

sound and justifiable

Replaces "sensible" with "sound" and "reasonable" with "justifiable", emphasizing the validity and defensibility of the subject.

well-founded and logical

Highlights the solid basis and logical consistency of a plan or idea, differing slightly in formality.

prudent and judicious

Emphasizes careful consideration and wise decision-making, adding a layer of foresight.

responsible and thoughtful

Focuses on the accountability and depth of consideration, shifting the emphasis slightly.

level-headed and realistic

Highlights composure and practicality, suitable for describing someone's approach.

valid and well-reasoned

Emphasizes the correctness and logical progression of an argument or decision.

workable and acceptable

Focuses on the feasibility and general agreement surrounding an idea or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "sensible and reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "sensible and reasonable" to describe actions, decisions, or ideas that are logical and practical. For example: "Her proposal was both "sensible and reasonable", taking into account the needs of the community."

What can I say instead of "sensible and reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "logical and sound", "practical and rational", or "realistic and pragmatic" depending on the context.

Is "sensible and reasonable" redundant?

While "sensible" and "reasonable" share similar meanings, using them together can emphasize the idea that something is not only practical but also based on sound judgment and fairness. This can be particularly useful in persuasive writing or formal communication.

When is it appropriate to use "sensible and reasonable"?

It's appropriate to use "sensible and reasonable" in situations where you want to convey that a decision, action, or idea is both practical and based on sound judgment. This phrase is suitable for formal discussions, professional settings, and persuasive arguments where credibility and thoughtfulness are important.