a reasonable decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice or conclusion that is logical, fair, or sensible in a given context. Example: "After considering all the options, I believe that choosing to invest in renewable energy is a reasonable decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

She is trying to turn a reasonable decision about space into a reason to declare war on the Mayor and the Department of Education.

Huffington Post

One can always have good reason to think that the majority is not properly placed to make a reasonable decision on a certain issue when one is in the minority.

SEP

It was a reasonable decision, based on scientific evidence.

The New York Times

But, given the specifics of this situation, I think that Times editors made a reasonable decision.

The New York Times

The treatment of the Syria video struck me as a reasonable decision for a general readership.

The New York Times

Whether or not you think that was a reasonable decision depends on your view of Europe.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the church did not win universal backing with the National Secular Society describing it as a "perfectly reasonable decision" by a commercial organisation.

The Guardian

In doing so, James made a perfectly reasonable decision, choosing to play with a superstar (Wade) and an All-Star (Bosh), for a team executive (Pat Riley) with five championship rings.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you look at the Supreme Court decision, there's a perfectly reasonable decision by the majority and a very forceful and reasonable dissenting opinion by Justice Vertefeuille, who emphasizes that we do have a very clear public policy against discrimination," he said.

The New York Times

Those two things are not a good combination so I took a logical, reasonable decision not to have children, and it's one I've never regretted.' For the past 15 years Christina has lived in rural Idaho in a modest clapboard home on a vast Indian Reservation, surrounded by conifers and grassy mountainside.

The Guardian - Film

"Under existing doctrine by the Supreme Court," said Geoffrey R. Stone, a law professor at the University of Chicago and an expert on free speech issues, "it's a perfectly reasonable decision".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decision, specify the criteria or factors that make it "reasonable". Providing context helps the audience understand the rationale.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a decision as "reasonable" without explaining why. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable decision" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "decision". It describes the quality or characteristic of the decision, indicating that it is logical, justifiable, and sensible. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard and accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reasonable decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a choice that is logical, justifiable, and sensible. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news, science and formal business contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, modifying "decision" with the adjective "reasonable". When using this phrase, be specific about the criteria that make the decision reasonable to enhance clarity and persuasiveness. While alternatives like "a logical decision" or "a sensible decision" exist, "a reasonable decision" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical decision

Emphasizes the rational and step-by-step thinking behind the choice.

a rational decision

Highlights the clarity of thought and sound judgment involved.

a sensible decision

Focuses on the practicality and down-to-earth nature of the decision.

a sound decision

Implies the decision is well-founded and reliable.

a judicious decision

Suggests the decision was made with careful consideration and wisdom.

a well-reasoned decision

Highlights the thorough thought process leading to the decision.

a pragmatic decision

Emphasizes the practical and realistic nature of the choice, focusing on what works best in the situation.

an informed decision

Stresses that the decision was based on complete and accurate data.

a defensible decision

Indicates that the decision can be justified and supported with evidence.

a responsible decision

Highlights the accountability and ethical considerations involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable decision" to describe a choice that is logical and justifiable. For example, "Given the circumstances, choosing the less risky option was "a reasonable decision"".

What phrases are similar to "a reasonable decision"?

Similar phrases include "a sensible decision", "a logical decision", or "a rational decision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonable decision" or "rational decision"?

Both "reasonable decision" and "rational decision" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Reasonable" implies fairness and practicality, while "rational" suggests a decision based purely on logic and reason. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a decision "reasonable"?

A decision is considered "reasonable" when it is based on sound judgment, considers all relevant facts, and aligns with established principles or expectations. It's a choice that most people would understand and accept given the available information.