Meaning
To demonstrate practical judgment.
Cultural Background
The French value 'Cartesian logic', but 'bon sens' is seen as the practical application of that logic to everyday life. It's the bridge between high philosophy and daily survival. In Quebec, 'bon sens' is also very common, but you might also hear 'avoir du gros bon sens', emphasizing the 'big' or 'obvious' nature of the logic. Swiss French speakers often use 'bon sens' in the context of civic responsibility and following community guidelines effectively. Similar to France, but sometimes used in political satire to mock the complexity of the Belgian administrative system.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember: faire preuve de + [quality]. No 'le', 'la', or 'les' needed. This works for 'courage', 'patience', and 'bon sens'.
Pronounce the S
In 'bon sens', you must pronounce the final 's'. If you don't, it sounds like 'cent' (hundred) or 'sang' (blood).
Meaning
To demonstrate practical judgment.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember: faire preuve de + [quality]. No 'le', 'la', or 'les' needed. This works for 'courage', 'patience', and 'bon sens'.
Pronounce the S
In 'bon sens', you must pronounce the final 's'. If you don't, it sounds like 'cent' (hundred) or 'sang' (blood).
The Descartes Connection
Mentioning Descartes when using this phrase in a formal essay will earn you major 'bonus points' with French teachers.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Dans cette situation difficile, il est crucial de ______ ______ de bon sens.
The standard collocation is 'faire preuve de'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
No article is used after 'de' in this expression.
What would a manager say to a sensible employee?
Manager: 'Vous avez évité un gros problème.' Employé: 'J'ai juste...'
This is the most professional and idiomatic way to describe the action.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You decide not to go outside during a hurricane.
Staying safe during a storm is a matter of practical judgment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bon Sens vs. Intelligence
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDans cette situation difficile, il est crucial de ______ ______ de bon sens.
The standard collocation is 'faire preuve de'.
Choose the correct option:
No article is used after 'de' in this expression.
Manager: 'Vous avez évité un gros problème.' Employé: 'J'ai juste...'
This is the most professional and idiomatic way to describe the action.
Situation: You decide not to go outside during a hurricane.
Staying safe during a storm is a matter of practical judgment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it in a professional email or a casual conversation.
Yes, it is correct and means the same thing, but 'faire preuve de' is more common in writing.
In the noun 'le sens' (meaning/sense), the 's' is always pronounced to distinguish it from other words.
It is always 'bon sens'. 'Sens bon' would mean 'smell good' (as in 'ça sent bon').
Usually no. We say animals have 'instinct'. 'Bon sens' implies human reasoning.
The opposite is 'manquer de bon sens' or 'être insensé'.
Yes, but 'jugeote' is very informal and a bit 'old-school'.
No, we don't use possessive adjectives here. Just 'faire preuve de bon sens'.
No, 'bon sens' is an uncountable concept in this context.
Not exactly. It means to be 'sensible' or 'practical'. You can be very smart but lack 'bon sens'.
Related Phrases
avoir de la jugeote
synonymTo have savvy or common sense.
faire preuve de courage
builds onTo show courage.
manquer de bon sens
contrastTo lack common sense.
le sens commun
similarCommon sense (as a shared belief).
