with common sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with common sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions, decisions, or thoughts that are logical and practical. Example: "When making financial decisions, it's important to approach them with common sense to avoid unnecessary risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just lead with common sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sometimes, she startles with common sense.

The Guardian - Books

To me this squares with common sense.

The Guardian - Arts

I'd say I'm a man with common sense".

The Guardian

Archetypical Victorian gentleman, "bristling with common sense" (Manchester Guardian).

The Guardian

"New York has gotten a lot better with common sense.

The Guardian - Sport

"But they have to be balanced with common sense".

The New York Times

This seems so at war with common sense".

The New York Times

"In other words, we're now mainstream with common sense policies".

The Guardian

Comprehension is the subtest most strongly associated with common sense".

Independent

"Investors should temper their enthusiasm with common sense.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to use "with common sense", follow up with specific examples to clarify what that entails in the given situation. This provides actionable context.

Common error

Avoid using "with common sense" as a standalone instruction without providing supporting details or context. This phrase can be vague and open to interpretation, potentially leading to misunderstandings or ineffective actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with common sense" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action should be performed or a decision should be made. It indicates that actions should be guided by practical reasoning and sound judgment. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in modifying verbs like 'lead', 'balanced', and 'played'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with common sense" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to advocate for practical, reasonable approaches. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While "with common sense" is generally applicable, providing context and specific examples ensures clarity and avoids vague interpretations. Alternatives like "using sound judgment" or "with good sense" offer similar meanings, Ludwig's numerous examples highlight the phrase's adaptability across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a sensible approach

Emphasizes reasonableness and logical thinking in handling situations.

with good sense

Similar, but emphasizes inherent good judgment rather than practical application.

using practical wisdom

Highlights the wisdom aspect, suggesting experience and understanding.

using sound judgment

Focuses on the application of considered evaluation rather than inherent understanding.

with down-to-earth reasoning

Emphasizes simplicity and practicality in the reasoning process.

with levelheadedness

Highlights emotional stability and composure in decision-making.

with prudence

Emphasizes caution and foresight in addition to sound judgment.

with realistic thinking

Focuses on grounding decisions in reality and avoiding idealism.

in a practical manner

Shifts the focus to the method of application rather than the faculty of reason.

using street smarts

Suggests practical intelligence and awareness gained from real-world experience.

FAQs

How can I use "with common sense" in a sentence?

You can use "with common sense" to describe actions or decisions that are practical and reasonable. For example, "Approach the problem "with common sense" and consider all the possible solutions."

What are some alternatives to "with common sense"?

Alternatives include "using sound judgment", "with good sense", or "in a practical manner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to act "with common sense"?

While generally advisable, relying solely on "with common sense" might not suffice in situations requiring specialized knowledge or expertise. In such cases, consulting experts or seeking professional advice is crucial.

What's the difference between "with common sense" and "with intelligence"?

"With common sense" implies practical reasoning and sound judgment in everyday situations, whereas "with intelligence" suggests a higher level of cognitive ability and problem-solving skills, often in more complex scenarios.