a chain of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain of reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a logical progression of thoughts or arguments that lead to a conclusion. Example: "The scientist presented a chain of reasoning that clearly demonstrated the validity of her hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Hence, following such rules guarantees only the correctness of a chain of reasoning, not its efficiency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And that unleashes a chain of reasoning that allows it to conclude, yep, on reflection, I do believe that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Deep in the ice, two kilometres under the heart of Antarctica, electronic pulses in the IceCube detector, the result of particles called neutrinos hitting the ice, have initiated a chain of reasoning which has recently led to their interpretation in terms of limits on supersymmetry.

The Guardian

We have seen that the decisions of a practically wise person are not mere intuitions, but can be justified by a chain of reasoning.

SEP

For example, it would seem arbitrary to identify the deduction of some conclusion from a chain of reasoning with some particular neural event or set of neural events occurring at a specific time and place in the brain especially given the micro-precision of the neural framework.

SEP

After a brief period of "Open Arm Policy," the debate about the refugee crisis has now reached a chain of reasoning that is oddly reminiscent of the logic and dialogue of the '70s and '80s.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The book's central claim that marijuana causes violence by inducing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders relies on a chain of spurious reasoning that falls apart when examined closely.

Vice

The duty of rhetoric is to deal with such matters as we deliberate upon without arts or systems to guide us, in the hearing of persons who cannot take in at a glance a complicated argument, or follow a long chain of reasoning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

clause is intended to include each of the reasons in a long chain of reasoning leading to the belief to count as reasons upon which the belief is based.

SEP

Unlike Conway's previous set of lectures, which touched on random subjects under the aegis of math, each of the forthcoming lectures will build on the previous ones in the series, much the way a theorem demonstrates truth through a logical chain of reasoning.

Princeton University

Soper's reading of Aristotle emphasizes contemporary challenges: "How can we persuade if the subject is complex and, as is so often the case, our listeners incapable of following a long chain of reasoning?" Next comes a duet for voice and percussion, based on Plato's Crito, in which Socrates, condemned to be executed, leads a rebellious friend to accept the outcome that society demands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing an argument, ensure each step in your "chain of reasoning" logically connects to the next to build a strong and persuasive case.

Common error

Do not leave gaps in your "chain of reasoning". Ensure each connection is explicitly stated and supported with evidence to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain of reasoning" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sequence of connected logical steps or arguments leading to a conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chain of reasoning" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a logical progression of thoughts or arguments. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig examples indicate its use across diverse authoritative sources, including news media, academia, and encyclopedias. As noted by Ludwig AI, related phrases like "a line of reasoning" or "a logical sequence" offer similar meanings. Remember to ensure each link in your "chain of reasoning" is robust and clearly connected to avoid logical gaps and enhance persuasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a line of reasoning

Replaces "chain" with "line", suggesting a more direct or singular path of thought.

a train of thought

Uses "train" to emphasize the sequential and connected nature of thoughts, similar to a chain.

a logical sequence

Focuses on the logical order and arrangement of ideas, omitting the "chain" metaphor.

a course of argumentation

Highlights the argumentative aspect, referring to a structured progression of arguments.

a connected argument

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the argument's components.

a series of inferences

Stresses the inferential nature of the reasoning process, highlighting the drawing of conclusions.

an intellectual progression

Highlights the development and advancement of understanding through reasoning.

a logical progression

Focuses on the step-by-step advancement of logic in reaching a conclusion.

a stream of consciousness

Describes a continuous flow of thoughts, though not necessarily strictly logical.

an unfolding argument

Emphasizes the gradual revelation and development of an argument over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a chain of reasoning" in a sentence?

You can use "a chain of reasoning" to describe a series of logical steps or arguments that lead to a particular conclusion. For example, "The lawyer presented a compelling "chain of reasoning" to convince the jury."

What are some alternatives to "a chain of reasoning"?

Some alternatives to "a chain of reasoning" include "a line of reasoning", "a train of thought", or "a logical sequence".

Is "a chain of reasoning" the same as "a line of reasoning"?

While similar, "a chain of reasoning" suggests a more complex and interconnected series of steps, whereas "a line of reasoning" might imply a more direct or straightforward path.

What makes a "chain of reasoning" strong?

A strong "chain of reasoning" is characterized by clear, logical connections between each step, supported by evidence and free of logical fallacies. Each link in the chain must be robust to support the overall argument.