How to use "in this sense"

What Does "in this sense" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It acts as a discourse marker, clarifying the specific meaning or interpretation of a term or idea being discussed. It signals that the speaker/writer is about to define or limit the scope of a concept.
• Typical sentence position: Initial
• Register: Neutral to formal

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: It is typically followed by a comma and then a clause that explains or elaborates on the specific meaning being referred to. What precedes it is usually a statement or concept that requires further clarification.
• Punctuation rules: A comma almost always follows "in this sense" when it begins a sentence. If it appears mid-sentence (which is less common), it should be set off by commas.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence. While it can technically be moved to the middle of a clause, this is less common and can sound awkward if not punctuated correctly. Negating it directly (e.g., "not in this sense") is possible, but it's more common to rephrase the sentence.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing it mid-sentence without commas, using it in very informal contexts, or using it when no specific clarification is needed can sound unnatural.

Real-World Examples

"In this sense, reality is flat." — The New York Times

"In this sense, ignorance is not stupidity." — The New York Times - Science

"In this sense, marriage is also political." — The New Yorker

"In this sense it mirrors the continent." — The Economist

"In this sense, we are all African." — University of California, Berkeley

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/in+this+sense

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
in that respect	Highlights a particular aspect or characteristic.
in that regard	Similar to 'in that respect', focusing on a specific point.
from this perspective	Introduces a specific viewpoint or angle.
in this interpretation	Emphasizes a particular understanding of something.
to this extent	Indicates the degree or scope to which something is true.
in this light	Suggests a new way of looking at something.
on this understanding	Highlights an agreement or assumption.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect punctuation, such as omitting the comma after "in this sense" when it starts a sentence.
• Using it in very informal contexts where a simpler phrase would be more appropriate.
• Learners sometimes misuse it by placing it mid-sentence without proper punctuation or by confusing it with similar phrases like 'in that sense' or 'in a sense'.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
in this sense	Clarifies meaning, limits scope	Neutral to formal	Sentence-initial

FAQs

Where does "in this sense" typically appear in a sentence?

In this sense almost always begins a sentence, followed by a comma. It can technically be placed mid-sentence, but this is less common and requires careful punctuation to avoid sounding awkward.

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How is "in this sense" different from "in that sense"?

While both phrases clarify meaning, "in this sense" usually introduces a specific definition or interpretation being used now, within the current context. "In that sense" typically refers back to a previously mentioned meaning or idea.

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How can I avoid misusing "in this sense"?

Ensure you always include a comma after "in this sense" when it starts a sentence. Be mindful of the register; it's generally more appropriate for neutral or formal writing. Avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "in a sense," which has a slightly different nuance, implying something is partly true, but not entirely.