a man of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a man of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is logical, rational, and makes decisions based on reason rather than emotion. Example: "In discussions, he always remains calm and collected, truly a man of reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But not Parseghian, who fancies himself a man of reason.

The New York Times

Kennedy was, above all, a man of reason, & in his faith in the dialogue betw.

The New Yorker

In each one he showed a fascinating mix as a man of reason who used such emotion in court.

The Guardian

New fiction: "Being a man of reason, Ibn Rushd did not guess that the girl was a supernatural creature, a jinnia".

The New Yorker

An acclaimed military leader, a seasoned, knowledgeable world traveler, Mr. Powell then represented calm, integrity and composure -- a man of reason.

The New York Times

I imagine myself a man of reason, yet I cannot think what I am doing here, in India, in this third-class queue, unless it is for the plain hell of it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

So yes, Christopher Hitchens may long to be a cogent man of reason, and he can certainly be a pitiless adversary.

The New York Times - Books

This Great Briton died as he had lived – a quiet man of reason, not given to theatrical flourish.

Independent

Today there is a consensus across much of the political spectrum that George H. W. Bush was a President of some consequence, a man of conscience and reason, a steady hand at a time of geopolitical instability.

The New Yorker

In a personal message to his widow, the Croatian president Ivo Josipovic praised him as a man of "wisdom and reason" and said that he had made "an immeasurable contribution" to the development of Croatian democracy.

Independent

Better yet, the kids should read about Roger Williams, a man of faith, and of reason — the American model that will prevail long after Santorum has left the pulpit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a man of reason", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the individual's reliance on logic and evidence-based decision-making, rather than emotional impulses.

Common error

Avoid using "a man of reason" to describe someone who is simply stubborn or inflexible. True reason involves open-mindedness and a willingness to consider different perspectives, not just clinging to pre-existing beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a man of reason" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a person who is characterized by their rationality and logical thinking. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase implies that the person relies on reason rather than emotion to make decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a man of reason" is a commendation for someone who prioritizes logic and sound judgment. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "a rational man" or "a logical thinker" exist, "a man of reason" carries a certain weight and formality. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the described individual truly embodies the qualities of rationality and open-mindedness, rather than simple inflexibility. The frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian attests to its continued relevance and value in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational man

Focuses directly on the rationality of the man, removing the slightly more elaborate "of reason" construction.

a logical man

Highlights the man's adherence to logic, emphasizing the structured and methodical nature of his thinking.

a reasonable man

Emphasizes the man's fairness and moderation in judgment, suggesting a balanced approach to decision-making.

a man of sound judgment

Shifts the focus to the quality of the man's decisions, implying wisdom and good sense.

a man of intellect

Broadens the scope to encompass intellectual capacity, suggesting a deep understanding and thoughtful approach.

a man of wisdom

Elevates the description to a higher level of understanding and insight, suggesting profound knowledge and experience.

a judicious man

Highlights the man's ability to make wise and careful decisions, emphasizing prudence and discretion.

a man of prudence

Focuses on the man's careful and cautious nature, highlighting foresight and thoughtful consideration.

a thoughtful man

Emphasizes the man's considerate and reflective nature, suggesting a deep engagement with ideas and issues.

a discerning man

Highlights the man's ability to distinguish between subtle differences and make fine distinctions, suggesting keen perception.

FAQs

How can I use "a man of reason" in a sentence?

You can use "a man of reason" to describe someone who consistently makes decisions based on logic and evidence, for example, "The negotiator was lauded as "a man of reason" for his ability to find common ground."

What are some alternatives to "a man of reason"?

Alternatives include "a rational man", "a logical thinker", or "a reasonable person", each emphasizing different facets of sound judgment and intellect.

Is it appropriate to use "a man of reason" in formal writing?

Yes, "a man of reason" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing leadership, philosophy, or decision-making processes. It conveys respect and admiration for the individual's intellect and judgment.

What qualities does "a man of reason" typically possess?

A "man of reason" is generally characterized by qualities such as logical thinking, sound judgment, impartiality, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making, all of which contribute to effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.