sensible thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensible thing" can be correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is reasonable or practical. Example: "It would be a sensible thing to save money for a rainy day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would have been the sensible thing.

The New Yorker

So let's do the sensible thing.

The Guardian

This is a good and sensible thing.

The Guardian

But did I do the sensible thing?

The Guardian

It was the sensible thing to do.

The New Yorker

They really could do the sensible thing.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not a sensible thing to do".

The Guardian - Books

"It's the only sensible thing to do".

The Guardian - Sport

The only sensible thing to do was to leave.

The New Yorker

Canceling was the only sensible thing to do".

The New York Times

It seemed like the sensible thing to do.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensible thing" when you want to emphasize the rationality and practicality of an action or decision. For clarity, contextualize it with a verb (e.g., "to do", "to consider", "to suggest").

Common error

Avoid using "sensible thing" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where concrete action is not the focus. Opt for terms like "reasonable idea" or "logical concept" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensible thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "sensible" modifies the noun "thing". This phrase is used to denote an action, decision, or idea that is considered logical, practical, or reasonable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sensible thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a logical or practical action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure the context is concrete and action-oriented, avoiding overly abstract discussions. Alternatives like "prudent action" or "wise decision" can add nuance, but "sensible thing" remains a versatile and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable course of action

Implies fairness and appropriateness in the chosen path.

appropriate response

Highlights the suitability and correctness of the reaction to a situation.

wise decision

Highlights the intelligence and good judgement behind the choice.

responsible measure

Implies accountability and a focus on avoiding negative consequences.

practical approach

Stresses the focus on efficiency and real-world applicability.

smart move

Emphasizes the cleverness and advantageous nature of the decision.

prudent action

Focuses on the wisdom and foresight involved in the action.

judicious choice

Highlights the careful consideration and balanced nature of the selection.

sound strategy

Highlights the well-considered and effective nature of the plan.

logical step

Emphasizes the clear and rational connection to the preceding events.

FAQs

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

You can use "sensible thing" to describe an action or decision that is logical and practical, for example, "Saving money is the "sensible thing" to do."

What's a more formal alternative to "sensible thing"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "prudent measure" or "judicious action" instead of ""sensible thing"" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always clear what the "sensible thing" is in a given situation?

No, what seems like the ""sensible thing"" can be subjective and depend on individual priorities and circumstances. It's important to consider different perspectives.

How does "sensible thing" differ from "right thing"?

"Sensible thing" emphasizes practicality and logic, while "right thing" focuses on moral or ethical considerations. Sometimes the most sensible action isn't necessarily the most morally correct one.