a line of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the logical progression or argumentation behind a particular conclusion or belief. Example: "Her argument was compelling because she presented a clear line of reasoning that was easy to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Some reasoning statements were conflict oriented, in which a student disagreed with a line of reasoning previously made and gave a conflicting reason to support his or her claim.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"His landscape was invented; it only exists in the imagination," Ms. Blackburn continued, pursuing a line of reasoning that is not popular here.

The New York Times

He writes that they inform each other, a line of reasoning that Roberts refuses to deal with by saying that it is "quite frankly, difficult to follow".

The New Yorker

This country cannot afford to follow a line of reasoning, whether it be extreme right or left, that is narrowly focused, is self-serving and ignores the facts.

The New York Times

"This was not a losing season, this was a learning season," Jarvis said, using a line of reasoning that could forever redefine postseason performance reviews for college coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps most decisive was a line of reasoning that became known as "the ultimate argument for realism," which appeared in two major versions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In the February assessment, Lord Neuberger, the president of the supreme court, said that a line of legal reasoning introduced in 1984 had been an error.

The Guardian

Polling can also provide opportunities to determine who agrees with a line of "student reasoning" and to see "how many minds changed".

International Journal of STEM Education

Many Nuer elders also follow a line of mystical reasoning, believing that important matters of state and war are prophesied and can be solved by spiritual cleansing.

Vice

"He's like a college professor, trying to work out a problem by verbalizing a potential line of reasoning".

Huffington Post

Airbnb could have stuck to a familiar line of reasoning: It is a passive bystander allowing a renter and landlord to find each other and make a private deal, with each party responsible for obeying the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a line of reasoning", anticipate potential counterarguments and address them proactively to strengthen your position.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two ideas appear together, one necessarily causes the other when presenting "a line of reasoning". Always provide evidence to support causal claims and consider alternative explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of reasoning" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular way of thinking or arguing. It denotes a structured and logical sequence of thoughts aimed at reaching a conclusion. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase commonly appears in both academic and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of reasoning" is a noun phrase that describes a structured sequence of thoughts or arguments intended to explain or justify a particular viewpoint. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. While not very frequent, it's essential to use it with clarity and logical coherence. Remember to anticipate counterarguments, avoid confusing correlation with causation, and guide your audience through each step of your reasoning. Alternatives like "a train of thought" or "an argument" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A train of thought

Focuses on the sequential and connected nature of thoughts, implying a continuous flow.

A rationale

Focuses on the underlying reasons or justifications for a decision or belief.

A chain of logic

Emphasizes the logical connections and dependencies between ideas.

A course of argumentation

Emphasizes the process and direction of an argument.

The logic behind

Focuses on the set of principles governing a specific idea or decision.

An argument

Highlights the persuasive aspect, presenting a case for a particular viewpoint.

A method of deduction

Emphasizes deductive reasoning within a system.

A mode of thought

Highlights a particular method or manner of thinking.

A scheme of thought

Focuses on a systematic way of thinking.

A piece of rationalization

Highlights an instance of justifying something, often with a subtle negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I effectively present "a line of reasoning" in writing?

Start with a clear thesis statement, provide supporting evidence, and use transitional phrases to guide your reader through each step of your argument. Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis.

What's a good alternative to saying "a line of reasoning"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a train of thought", "a rationale", or "an argument".

Is "a line of reasoning" formal or informal?

"A line of reasoning" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

How does "a line of reasoning" differ from "a line of argument"?

"A line of reasoning" refers to the general process of thinking through a problem or idea, while "a line of argument" specifically implies an attempt to persuade someone of a particular viewpoint.