a matter of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics that require logical thinking or rationality. Example: "In this debate, we must focus on the facts; it is truly a matter of reason rather than emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is not a matter of reason but of emotion.

The Guardian - Opinion

For me, this commitment to Europe is as much a matter of reason as it is a matter of the heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

The assumption behind his approach to philosophy, and the approaches of millions of people since, is that moral thinking is mostly a matter of reason and deliberation: Think through moral problems.

The New York Times

(1) It would seem to be impossible, because essentially meaningless as a matter of reason, to consider the constitutional validity of § 38—415 without impliedly incorporating the Georgia law which renders the defendant incompetent to present testimony in his own behalf under oath.

Cornell University

Us, the victims!' I tried explaining that it wasn't a crime; all that was needed was to admit it, meekly, simply, merely as a matter of reason, a point of honour, if I might put it that way". Narrating in a constant present, Gyuri has no hind-sight, every event is new, interpreted by an adolescent personality who enjoys adventures, is easily bored, likes change.

The Guardian - Books

So, a composite character almost appears: a man who thinks atheism is not a matter of reason but of feeling, who believes Las Vegas offers an epochal excitement comparable with early Gothic, who thrills to the roar of a fighter plane shattering the calm of the countryside and responds positively to 18-wheel rigs thundering past his side mirror, who likes music at 130 beats a minute.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The determination of literary merit, it was suggested, should properly be a matter of reasoned judgment and persuasive argument, not mass opinionizing.

The New York Times - Books

Whether this is true or not is a matter of reasoned argument and evidence, not of faith yet Eastwood lets the descriptive and prescriptive elements of his story overlap and blend together.

The New Yorker

Some take deliberation to be a matter of reasoned argumentation; others see it as less about reason or argumentation but more about an open process of working through choices.

SEP

A contrasting definitional approach suggests that, as a matter of reasoned judgment, we can attribute to architectural practice or to the domain of architectural objects core or even essential features.

SEP

Although these results are promising, until a blood-stage malaria vaccine demonstrates clinical efficacy, immune correlates of vaccine-induced protection and the choice of immunogenicity endpoints for clinical development decisions will remain a matter of reasoned conjecture.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of reason", ensure that the context clearly indicates that logic and rationale are the primary considerations, contrasting with emotion or other non-rational factors.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of reason" in situations where emotional intelligence or empathy is more appropriate. For example, responding to someone's grief with "it's just a matter of reason" can be perceived as insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of reason" functions as a noun phrase that highlights the importance of rationality and logical thinking in a given situation. As the Ludwig AI explains, its usage indicates that decisions or conclusions should be based on facts and reasoned analysis, rather than emotions or biases.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a matter of reason" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that emphasizes the importance of logic and rationality. Ludwig highlights that it is often used when contrasting reasoned judgment with emotion. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears in reputable sources across news, academic, and scientific domains. Ludwig's analysis underscores that the phrase serves to advocate for rational considerations in decision-making and understanding, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. Alternatives like "a question of logic" or "a subject of rationality" can provide subtle variations in meaning, while it is essential to avoid using the phrase in contexts that demand empathy over logic to prevent appearing insensitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of logic

Focuses on the logical aspect, highlighting the use of structured thinking.

a subject of rationality

Emphasizes the quality of being rational and basing decisions on reason.

an issue of sound judgment

Highlights the use of good sense and informed decision-making.

a point of logical analysis

Highlights the analytical process involved in arriving at a conclusion.

a case for rational thought

Emphasizes the need for thinking rationally.

a question of judiciousness

Emphasizes careful and wise decision-making.

an exercise in logic

Highlights the use of logical deduction.

a matter of informed consideration

Focuses on the importance of having relevant knowledge before making a decision.

a product of rational thinking

Emphasizes that something is derived from a rational thought process.

an outcome of reasoned deliberation

Highlights that the result is due to a careful and logical consideration.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a matter of reason"?

When something is described as "a matter of reason", it signifies that logic, rationality, and objective analysis should be the primary factors influencing a decision or understanding, rather than emotions or other subjective considerations.

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

You can use "a matter of reason" to emphasize the importance of logical thinking in a situation. For example: "The decision to invest in the company was "a matter of reason" based on financial projections, not emotional attachment."

What can I say instead of "a matter of reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a question of logic", "a subject of rationality", or "an issue of sound judgment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a matter of reason" formal or informal?

"A matter of reason" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for use in academic, professional, and news contexts. It's appropriate when emphasizing the role of logic and rationality in decision-making or understanding.