a piece of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a piece of reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific argument or line of thought in a logical context. Example: "Her conclusion was based on a piece of reasoning that was both sound and persuasive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dom Sebastian Moore, of Downside Abbey: "A piece of reasoning that is odd in the extreme. . . .

The New Yorker

Students do only 2% better than a coin flip (52%) when asked whether a piece of reasoning logically connects claims and evidence.

The Washington Post

A Darwinian history is a piece of reasoning of the following general form.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is a piece of perverse reasoning.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a piece of legal reasoning it is firmly rooted both in accepted principle and decided cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, that the solution cannot be predicted in advance in the way that, say, the final step of a piece of mathematical reasoning can, of which we say the answer was there all along waiting to be discovered.

Comparative Migration Studies

Typically, the total significate would include not only external things but also the premises and other assumptions that generate our assent to the proposition as the conclusion of a piece of demonstrative reasoning.

SEP

They crafted a sophisticated wind tunnel from a wooden box and a gas-powered fan, and employed a dazzling piece of reasoning to create an innovative propeller.

The New York Times - Books

With Hartshorne, as with Whitehead, what is at stake in theistic arguments is less a matter of the soundness of a particular piece of reasoning than the assessment of an entire metaphysical system.

SEP

At the local level, a particular piece of reasoning to justify a given result may be unavoidably non-deductive, yet the result may also be established by some other, purely deductive piece of reasoning.

SEP

He described the choice facing voters as a "Morton's Fork" - a specious piece of reasoning in which contradictory arguments lead to the same (unpleasant) conclusion.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a piece of reasoning" when you want to refer to a specific, identifiable instance of logical thought or argumentation.

Common error

Avoid embedding "a piece of reasoning" within overly convoluted sentences. Clarity is key; ensure the phrase and the argument it describes remain easily understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a piece of reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms that it is used to denote a specific instance or segment of logical thought or argumentation. It refers to a discrete unit within a broader line of thought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a piece of reasoning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific instance or segment of logical thought. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts including news, science, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "a line of thought" and "an argument". When using this phrase, it's best to maintain clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical argument

Specifically points out that the argument is logical.

a line of thought

Focuses on the progression of ideas rather than the specific instance of reasoning.

a chain of reasoning

Underscores the interconnectedness of the steps in the reasoning.

an argument

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of the reasoning process.

a train of thought

Highlights the sequential nature of reasoning, linking ideas together.

a process of deduction

Highlights the deductive nature of the reasoning.

a rationale

Focuses on the underlying reasons or principles for a belief or action.

a justification

Emphasizes providing reasons to support a claim or decision.

a method of inference

Focuses on the logical steps taken to reach a conclusion.

a cognitive process

Highlights the mental activity involved in reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a piece of reasoning" to refer to a specific instance of logical thought or argumentation, as in "Her conclusion was based on "a piece of reasoning" that was both sound and persuasive".

What's a good alternative to "a piece of reasoning"?

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

Is it always necessary to qualify "a piece of reasoning" with an adjective?

No, it's not always necessary. However, adjectives like "sound", "flawed", or "perverse" can add precision to your description of "a piece of reasoning".

How does "a piece of reasoning" differ from "a conclusion"?

"A piece of reasoning" refers to the process of thinking and argumentation, while "a conclusion" is the final result or judgment reached through that process. "A piece of reasoning" leads to a conclusion.