sensible spending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensible spending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing financial habits or practices that are reasonable and prudent in terms of expenditure. Example: "In order to save for a house, we need to focus on sensible spending and avoid unnecessary purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

IMPLICIT in Ms. Weston's book is the idea that sensible spending is crucial for financial success.

The New York Times

We'll need sensible tax increases and sensible spending cuts to address the deficit, and both can be offset to some degree by stronger economic growth.

The New York Times

Whether you think overdrafts are an excellent or terrible idea, discussing the benefits and costs will hopefully result in sensible spending habits.

The Guardian

It was a grand, ludicrous pool, out of sync with the family's usually sensible spending habits, a splurge exponentially larger than anything before it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In the scope of our debt crisis, if Senator Reid and Senator Schumer force the government to partially shut down over these sensible spending cuts, Americans will hold them accountable," Mr. Cantor said in his statement.

The New York Times

Similarly, the Senate should finally go on the record with its own budget, one that combines further tax increases on the wealthy, investments in education, energy and public works, and sensible spending cuts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Of course, agreeing on sensible military spending cuts might cut into their ability to trash the Democrats, especially President Obama, for being soft on national security.

The New York Times

We know now that we can do better with more sensible transport spending, and if the government tries to resurrect the old thinking of the 1990s, we will defeat them again," said Sian Berry, road campaigner with the CBT.

The Guardian

They stood for sensible fiscal spending, low taxes, limited government, and strong defense.

Huffington Post

"It's sensible to spend a while trying to see if we can get consensus".

The New York Times

Tell us if you think it's inevitable, or even sensible, to spend more on our food.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In the context of government budgets, framing proposed expenditures as "sensible spending" can help build public support by emphasizing fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid using "sensible spending" as a blanket term for all cost-cutting measures. Ensure that the spending is not just reduced, but also allocated wisely to maintain essential services and functions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible spending" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sensible" modifies the noun "spending". It typically describes a type of spending that is considered reasonable, prudent, and well-thought-out. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensible spending" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes financial decisions characterized by prudence and responsibility. Ludwig highlights its use across news, business, and personal contexts. To convey similar meanings, consider alternatives like "prudent expenditure" or "wise investment". Remember to avoid overgeneralizing its meaning and always ensure that "sensible spending" aligns with maintaining essential needs while optimizing resource allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent expenditure

Replaces "spending" with a more formal synonym, "expenditure", adding a slightly more professional tone.

smart money management

Uses "smart" as a synonym for "sensible", indicating intelligent handling of finances.

wise investment

Shifts the focus from general spending to investments that are considered wise or beneficial.

reasonable financial decisions

Focuses on making reasonable decisions related to finance, indicating sound judgment.

responsible budgeting

Emphasizes the budgeting aspect, highlighting the responsibility involved in financial planning.

economical spending habits

Focuses on spending habits that are economical, implying a conscious effort to save money.

careful financial management

Broadens the scope to overall financial management, stressing the care taken in handling finances.

frugal financial behavior

Highlights a frugal approach to finances, emphasizing thriftiness and cost-consciousness.

judicious allocation of funds

A formal phrase that highlights the careful and considered allocation of financial resources.

sound fiscal policy

Applies the concept to policy level, indicating a solid and well-reasoned financial approach.

FAQs

What does "sensible spending" mean?

"Sensible spending" refers to financial decisions and habits that are reasonable, prudent, and well-considered, prioritizing needs and value over unnecessary or frivolous expenses.

What are some alternatives to "sensible spending"?

You can use alternatives like "prudent expenditure", "wise investment", or "responsible budgeting" depending on the context.

How can I practice "sensible spending" in my daily life?

Practicing "sensible spending" involves creating a budget, tracking your expenses, prioritizing needs over wants, and making informed purchasing decisions based on value and long-term financial goals.

Is "sensible spending" only applicable to personal finance?

No, "sensible spending" can be applied to various contexts, including personal finance, government budgets, and business operations, emphasizing the importance of responsible and efficient resource allocation across different domains.