should be sensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be sensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something ought to be reasonable or logical in a given context. Example: "The proposed solution should be sensible, taking into account the budget constraints and the needs of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We should be sensible".

The New Yorker

There should be sensible, balanced approaches to medium- and long-term deficit reduction.

The New York Times

The MP said Labour should be sensible and mature about the outcome of the EU referendum.

The Guardian

The ideal politician's food should be of the moment, but also somehow timeless; it should be sensible (ie not terribly unhealthy) but also wide in its appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fury also has his eyes on a Klitschko, having been recently mentioned by the brothers, but he should be sensible enough to know that he is several fights shy of being good enough to fight either brother.

Independent

My wife always says, for Christ's sake we're not going to be on the street, start saying no, and one should be sensible about that, but you know what Mariella, you don't quite believe it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It says: "we should all be sensible, but not all at once".

The Guardian - Opinion

I think you should already be sensible enough not to drink and drive, or not to drive the day after.

BBC

Most things should still be sensible, but not so absolutely everything is boring either!

WikiHow

That is a shame, as the recommendations he makes for how world governance should be improved are sensible: Chinese and Indian membership of the G8; an end to American and European hogging of the top jobs at the IMF and the World Bank; reform of the UN Security Council to give permanent, veto-holding status to more Asian countries.

The Economist

They should, of course, be sensible and vigilant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, use "should be sensible" to underscore the importance of practical, reasoned action. For instance, "When investing, you "should be sensible" and consider your risk tolerance."

Common error

While "should be sensible" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "must be justified" or "ought to be substantiated" for a more rigorous tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be sensible" primarily functions as a modal expression of advice or recommendation. It suggests a course of action that aligns with reason, practicality, and good judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be sensible" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise or recommend a practical and rational approach. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific sources. When employing this phrase, writers "should be sensible" about maintaining a neutral register, especially avoiding overuse in strictly formal contexts. While alternatives like "ought to be reasonable" and "must be practical" exist, the core message of advocating for sound judgment remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be reasonable

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation to be reasonable.

must be practical

Emphasizes the necessity of being practical rather than just theoretically sound.

needs to be judicious

Highlights the importance of sound judgment and careful consideration.

has to be realistic

Focuses on aligning actions with what is achievable and possible.

should be pragmatic

Stresses a practical, results-oriented approach.

should be judicious

Emphasizes careful and wise decision-making.

needs to be prudent

Implies the necessity of being cautious and avoiding risks.

must be well-considered

Highlights that decisions need careful thought.

should be sound

Suggests that the action or decision should be logically valid and reliable.

has to be grounded

Focuses on being based on solid facts and reality.

FAQs

How can I use "should be sensible" in a sentence?

You can use "should be sensible" to express the need for reasonable and practical thinking in a given situation. For example, "The company's investment strategy "should be sensible", focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term gains."

What are some alternatives to "should be sensible"?

Alternatives include "ought to be reasonable", "must be practical", or "needs to be judicious depending on the specific context".

Is it better to say "should be sensible" or "must be sensible"?

"Should be sensible" suggests a recommendation, while "must be sensible" implies a requirement. The choice depends on whether you are advising or mandating a sensible approach.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "should be sensible"?

This phrase is suitable in situations where practical and logical thinking is needed, such as in financial planning, decision-making processes, or when giving advice. Using the term is a way to stress the importance of showing good judgment.