I reasoned

USAGE SUMMARY

"I reasoned" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are providing an explanation for a particular decision or opinion; for example, "I reasoned that since the economy was booming, it would be a good opportunity to start my own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'd never need it, I reasoned.

The New Yorker

P.G.D., I reasoned, would do what I.V. F

The New York Times - Magazine

Obviously, I reasoned, not everyone could work in a villa.

The New York Times

You get what you're born with, I reasoned.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A long, tough series, I reasoned, favored the Devils.

The New York Times

The check would arrive any day, I reasoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

I reasoned it could be time for a swift getaway.

The Guardian

This, I reasoned, was how I would love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My hyperkinetic golf swing, I reasoned, was killing my spine.

The New York Times - Health

No problem, I reasoned, he'd be back again soon enough.

The Guardian

"What harm would a grocery-bag holder do?" I reasoned.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I reasoned" to clearly explain the logical steps behind a decision or belief, adding credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I reasoned" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "I concluded" or "I inferred" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I reasoned" is to introduce an explanation or justification for a thought, decision, or action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It typically precedes a clause that outlines the reasoning behind a statement, as seen in many of the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I reasoned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for explaining a thought process or justifying a decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is acceptable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives like "I concluded" or "I inferred". Use "I reasoned" to add clarity and credibility to your writing by explicitly stating the logic behind your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I concluded

Focuses on the final decision or understanding reached after a thought process.

I deduced

Highlights the logical process of drawing a conclusion from given facts.

I inferred

Emphasizes drawing a conclusion from indirect evidence or assumptions.

I surmised

Implies a guess or inference based on limited evidence.

I rationalized

Suggests creating a seemingly logical explanation, often to avoid guilt or embarrassment.

I figured

A more informal way of saying "I reasoned", suggesting a simple calculation or understanding.

I justified

Highlights providing reasons or excuses to support an action or belief.

I thought

A general term for having an idea or opinion, less specific than "I reasoned".

I assumed

Suggests taking something for granted without proof, differing from a logical reasoning.

I speculated

Involves forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "I reasoned" in a sentence?

Use "I reasoned" when you want to explain the thinking process behind a decision or conclusion. For example, "I reasoned that since it was raining, the game would be canceled."

What are some alternatives to "I reasoned"?

You can use alternatives such as "I concluded", "I deduced", or "I inferred" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I reasoned" formal or informal?

"I reasoned" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of writing contexts, from news articles to personal essays. However, consider your audience and purpose to determine if a more formal or informal alternative might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I reasoned" and "I assumed"?

"I reasoned" implies a logical thought process, while "I assumed" suggests taking something for granted without concrete evidence. Use "I reasoned" when you have thought through a situation, and "I assumed" when you've made a guess or presumption.