a mere reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere reasoning" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that the reasoning is simple or insignificant compared to other factors. Example: "His argument was based on a mere reasoning that failed to consider the complexities of the situation."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The description so often given of a Benthamite, as a mere reasoning machine... was during two or three years of my life not altogether untrue of me," he confessed much later.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even Spinoza suggests that the highest stages of knowledge consist in a form of intuitive insight, which transcends mere reasoning or conceptual knowledge in that it enables us to grasp the essence of individual things.

SEP

It should be stressed that the atomistic assumption that the human mind, by mere reasoning, can know the properties of the atoms is a necessary consequence of the idea that atoms are not subject to internal change; for the changeless can never be a subject of experimentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In more cases than not, breeding schemes, their components, and interactions between these components do not allow optimum breeding plans to be designed by mere reasoning.

Livestock Science

He also heavily criticized the pro-moratorium camp's reasoning: "Proponents spin the moratorium as a mere 'pause on luxury housing,' but it's much more than that.

Vice

Savage repThees, it would seem, areasoninghe latest behind thetic employed by his government.

Vice

It requires every ounce of intellect, reasoning, factual examination, political dexterity, diplomatic consideration, compassion, and strength of conviction that a mere mortal possesses.

Huffington Post

One can certainly take issue with her reasoning (I do myself) without failing to see that there was more in play in her mind than a mere lack of vision or imagination.

The New York Times - Books

A mere chardonnay, perhaps.

The New York Times - Food

A mere $1 billion.

The New York Times

Not a "mere" tweaker.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mere reasoning", ensure the context clearly indicates that the reasoning is simple, basic, or insufficient compared to other factors at play. Consider alternative phrases like "simple logic" or "basic deduction" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere reasoning" when the reasoning involved is actually complex or significant. This phrase downplays the importance of the reasoning, so use it only when appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere reasoning" functions as a noun phrase that describes a simplified or basic level of logical thought. According to Ludwig, it's used to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of the reasoning. It can be used to downplay the complexity of a thought process or argument.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mere reasoning" refers to a basic or simple line of thought, often implying it is inadequate or lacks depth. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase isn't commonly used and can sound awkward, so it's advisable to consider alternatives like "simple deduction" or "basic logic". The usage contexts are varied but primarily appear in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While grammatically acceptable, its infrequent use and potential for sounding stilted mean writers should use it judiciously, ensuring the context clearly warrants emphasizing the simplicity or insignificance of the reasoning in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple deduction

Replaces "reasoning" with a more specific term implying a straightforward logical process.

basic logic

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the reasoning involved.

elementary rationale

Highlights the rudimentary quality of the reasoning.

simplistic logic

Indicates a reasoning process that is overly simplified and potentially flawed.

rudimentary deduction

Stresses the undeveloped and basic nature of the deduction.

shallow logic

Suggests a lack of depth and thoroughness in the reasoning.

weak reasoning

Directly criticizes the strength and validity of the reasoning.

flawed logic

Indicates that the reasoning contains errors or inconsistencies.

inadequate reasoning

Emphasizes that the reasoning is insufficient for the task or conclusion.

insufficient rationale

Highlights the lack of a strong or complete justification.

FAQs

What does "a mere reasoning" mean?

The phrase "a mere reasoning" suggests a simple or basic line of thought. It implies that the reasoning is perhaps insufficient or not very profound.

How can I use "a mere reasoning" in a sentence?

You can use "a mere reasoning" to describe an argument or explanation that lacks depth. For example: "His argument was based on "a mere reasoning" that failed to consider the complexities of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "a mere reasoning"?

Some alternatives to "a mere reasoning" include "simple deduction", "basic logic", or "elementary rationale".

When is it appropriate to use "a mere reasoning"?

It's appropriate to use "a mere reasoning" when you want to emphasize that the reasoning is simple or insignificant compared to other factors. However, Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is not commonly used and can sound awkward, so consider alternatives for clarity.