sensible effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"sensible effort" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a reasonable and practical attempt or action. An example of using "sensible effort" in a sentence could be: "The company made a sensible effort to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing eco-friendly practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is both a recognition of Wal-Mart's importance in music sales and a sensible effort to keep the Billboard charts from becoming irrelevant.

The New York Times

Mrs. Clinton's attempt to reset relations with Russia, though far from successful, was a sensible effort to improve interactions with a rivalrous nuclear power.

The New York Times

But Stahl needs Fatty's fall to come with a thud, so he makes the sensible effort to create an at least semi-golden age of Hollywood high jinks through which his ur-Belushi can first disport himself.

The New Yorker

Still, the administration's efforts won praise from William L. Kovacs, a vice president of the United States Chamber of Commerce, who said the memorandum was a "reasonable, sensible" effort to avoid so-called midnight rules.

The New York Times

Of course, Mr. McNamara was right, and it was in part his confidence in this sensible effort at reform that blinded him to the need for a change in strategy in Southeast Asia.

The New York Times

And let us also be clear that Congress's restrictions were a sensible effort to limit the damage from this damaging deal and maintain a few shreds of American credibility when it comes to restraining the spread of nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Why, for that matter, block sensible efforts to encourage fuel-efficient cars and cleaner energy sources?

The New York Times

Vested National party interests are poisoning the debate over free-range labelling and curtailing sensible efforts to introduce labelling reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Obama administration is making other sensible efforts to stem the crime flows: checking southbound rail cars at the border for illegal guns, money and other contraband; helping Mexico battle the cartels; sharing more information among American law-enforcement agencies.

The New York Times

But Republican leaders can't do that, of course: they refuse to admit that taxes ever need to rise, and they spent much of the last two years screaming "death panels!" in response to even the most modest, sensible efforts to ensure that Medicare dollars are well spent.

The New York Times

Moreover, companies that make sensible efforts to comply will be better run, and will provide better investments for investors.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "sensible effort", provide specific details about the actions taken and the rationale behind them. This helps to illustrate the practicality and reasonability of the effort.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "sensible" nature of the effort. Instead of claiming an effort is 'the most sensible option', focus on demonstrating its practicality and sound reasoning through clear evidence and justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible effort" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sensible" modifies the noun "effort". According to Ludwig AI, this is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes a specific type of attempt or endeavor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensible effort" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe an action or attempt that is logical, practical, and well-reasoned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business writing. When using this phrase, it's important to demonstrate the rationale and practicality behind the effort, rather than simply asserting its sensibility. Alternatives like "reasonable attempt" or "practical approach" can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, "sensible effort" is a versatile and useful phrase for conveying a thoughtful and pragmatic approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable attempt

Replaces 'effort' with 'attempt', focusing on the act of trying something.

practical approach

Shifts from 'effort' to 'approach', emphasizing the method used.

sound endeavor

Substitutes 'sensible' with 'sound' and 'effort' with 'endeavor', adding a more formal tone.

judicious undertaking

Replaces 'effort' with 'undertaking', indicating a task that is taken on.

logical course of action

Emphasizes the rationality of the approach taken.

well-considered initiative

Highlights the thoughtfulness behind the effort.

prudent measure

Focuses on the careful and wise nature of the action.

rational step

Simple substitution emphasizing the reason behind the action.

realistic measure

Highlights the practicality of the undertaking.

thoughtful intervention

Indicates a deliberate and reasoned action to improve a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sensible effort" to describe a reasonable and practical attempt to achieve a goal. For example, "The company made a "sensible effort" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "sensible effort"?

Alternatives to "sensible effort" include "reasonable attempt", "practical approach", or "sound endeavor" depending on the specific context.

Is "sensible effort" formal or informal?

The phrase "sensible effort" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles.

What makes an effort "sensible"?

An effort is considered "sensible" when it is based on sound reasoning, practicality, and a clear understanding of the situation. It implies a rational and well-considered approach to a problem or goal.