sound instinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound instinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reliable or well-founded intuition or judgment about a situation. Example: "Her sound instinct told her that something was off, even though everything seemed fine on the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But their son, though an instinctive aristocrat who retained a great dread of revolution, also had a sound instinct for liberty, and was certain that democracy was both inevitable and God-given: universal, enduring, and beyond the power of humans to stop it, as he asserts in the introduction to "Democracy in America".

The New Yorker

Dominic Grieve, the attorney general, has praised his "sound instinct and humanity".

The Guardian

Still, Reinhardt's decision to go for a solid base hit rather than a home run represents a sound instinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Happily, the team – which includes 2011 Comedy award nominee Cariad Lloyd – have a sound instinct for when to follow the gag, and when the narrative.

The Guardian

Not just a formidable lawyer, he has brought sound instinct and humanity to his role, noticeably in the guidelines he has published.

The Guardian

It was the Treasury that prevented John Major from following his sound instinct to privatise the railways by regions, and fastened on him the division between running the infrastructure and running the trains.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For all her sound instincts and skills as a politician, she appears to have no vision for the EU.

The Economist

But for all his slips, Mr. Hevesi has sound instincts on the economic and social problems facing the city.

The New York Times

Still, despite Mr Bush's sound instincts, Mr Gore must be ahead on this test, thanks to his experience.By now, our scoresheet will be clear.

The Economist

As a writer, she has sound instincts: "Tracktown" is less about winning races and more about a greater victory, being true to yourself.

The New York Times

The chef, who is from Bari, roams all over the Italian boot, but wherever he goes, he takes his sound instincts with him.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sound instinct" to describe a natural ability to understand something without conscious reasoning, particularly when referring to decision-making or problem-solving in complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "sound instinct" in situations where simple logic or readily available information would suffice. The phrase is most effective when describing intuition applied to nuanced or ambiguous scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound instinct" functions as an adjective-noun combination to describe a reliable and accurate intuition or inherent understanding. Ludwig AI shows it's often used to highlight a positive trait in decision-making or assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sound instinct" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, denoting a reliable and well-founded intuition or judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts, projecting a neutral to professional tone. While not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys confidence in someone's ability to understand or decide based on inherent understanding, distinguishing itself from mere guesswork. When considering alternative phrases, "good intuition" or "reliable judgment" offer similar meanings, though "sound instinct" adds a dimension of inherent reliability. Remember to reserve this phrase for contexts where intuition genuinely plays a key role, avoiding overuse in scenarios demanding simple logic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good intuition

Emphasizes the quality of intuition as being positive and reliable.

reliable judgment

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the judgment.

accurate perception

Highlights the correctness and precision of one's understanding.

keen sense

Implies a heightened awareness and understanding of a situation.

astute discernment

Stresses the sharpness and intelligence in distinguishing and evaluating.

sharp insight

Highlights the depth and clarity of understanding.

wise counsel

Refers to advice or guidance based on deep understanding and experience.

prudent foresight

Focuses on careful planning and anticipation of future events.

valid assessment

Emphasizes the legitimacy and correctness of an evaluation.

solid understanding

Indicates a firm and comprehensive grasp of a subject or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "sound instinct" in a sentence?

You can use "sound instinct" to describe someone's reliable intuition or judgment. For example: "The detective's sound instinct led him to the correct suspect."

What are some alternatives to "sound instinct"?

Alternatives include "good intuition", "reliable judgment", or "accurate perception", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sound instinct" or "good instinct"?

"Sound instinct" emphasizes the reliability and well-founded nature of the intuition, while "good instinct" simply suggests a positive or beneficial intuition. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sound instinct"?

Use "sound instinct" when describing a situation where someone makes a correct decision or has an accurate understanding based on intuition rather than concrete evidence or logical reasoning.