sensible reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensible reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that is reasonable, logical, or appropriate in a given context. Example: "After considering all the options, she finally gave a sensible reply to the question posed by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I had no sensible reply for that, other than that I could.

The New York Times

"We're up against it," Whalley's character says in one of many statements to which the only sensible reply is "No duh".

The New York Times - Arts

But the man merely inquired whether she belonged to the tribe of the British commander — she did not record her presumably sensible reply — and immediately vanished, along with his history and his motives).

The New Yorker

"Destruction is a beautiful version of freedom," gasped their website, going on to ask such questions as: "Are you sad to see me destroy it?" To which the only sensible reply could be: "Nah, not really". Ms Eastwood appears to be positioning herself as: "The Paris Hilton Who, Like, Totes Knows Who Andy Warhol Was".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expect to get some sensible reply when contacting this person or system with the localIdentifier specified.

Journal of Cheminformatics

No doubt Steve will pass the comment on, but the chance of getting a sensible reply is approximately zilch.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Building a truly interactive customer service system like Nuance's requires solutions to each of the major challenges in natural-language processing: accurately transforming human speech into machine-readable text; analyzing the text's vocabulary and structure to extract meaning; generating a sensible response; and replying in a human-sounding voice.

MIT Technology Review

Emailing colleagues – even when they're sitting just a few metres away – feels safer for two reasons: you have the protective bubble of a time delay, allowing you to think up a sensible, appropriate reply.

The Guardian - Money

"No users have been requesting that we run text ads," he replied, as if that were a perfectly sensible answer.

Forbes

Worst Announcers All, or almost all, the NBC announcers who were required to get a sensible or surprising reply out of the latest winners in various disciplines but didn't.

The New Yorker

Asked if Abbott's message contradicted his own view that the Coalition must govern from the "sensible centre" Turnbull replied: "We are always – the Liberal party and indeed the National party – are known for a very good reason as parties of the centre right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize "sensible reply" in scenarios demanding a well-thought-out, practical response. It is crucial in debates, negotiations, or complex discussions to establish credibility and build consensus. For example, stating, "Providing a 'sensible reply' showcases your understanding of the issue and earns respect."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "sensible reply" is inherently simple or lacks nuance. While clarity is important, a truly sensible response addresses the complexities of the issue at hand and considers various perspectives. Don't equate 'sensible' with a watered-down or oversimplified answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible reply" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sensible' modifies 'reply'. It typically describes a response that is logical, reasonable, and well-considered. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensible reply" is an uncommon, yet grammatically correct phrase used to describe a logical and reasonable response. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys rationality and appropriateness in both formal and informal contexts. Though seen frequently across News & Media, it's crucial to remember that 'sensible' doesn't equate to simplistic. For alternative phrasing, consider "reasonable response" or "logical answer" to diversify your writing. Remember to prioritize clarity and understanding, especially when aiming to show you grasp the issue and earn respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable response

Focuses on the quality of being fair and appropriate as an answer.

logical answer

Emphasizes the clarity and rationality of the given response.

sound response

Highlights the reliability and validity of the reply.

practical answer

Stresses the utility and real-world applicability of the response.

well-reasoned response

Underlines the thoughtfulness and structured logic behind the reply.

intelligent answer

Suggests the reply demonstrates understanding and insight.

judicious response

Implies the reply is made with good judgment and discretion.

prudent answer

Focuses on the carefulness and foresight demonstrated in the reply.

wise response

Highlights the insight and experience reflected in the reply.

thoughtful answer

Emphasizes the consideration and depth of the reply.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "sensible reply" in a sentence?

You can use "sensible reply" to describe a response that's logical and reasonable. For example, "After hearing all the arguments, she gave a 'sensible reply' that satisfied everyone."

What can I say instead of "sensible reply"?

Alternatives include "reasonable response", "logical answer", or "sound response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sensible reply" formal or informal?

"Sensible reply" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it simply describes a logical and reasonable response. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication when choosing your words.

How does a "sensible reply" differ from a "clever reply"?

A "sensible reply" focuses on being logical and reasonable, while a "clever reply" emphasizes wit and ingenuity. The best choice depends on the situation and the desired effect. A clever answer is not always "wise reply", and vice versa.