a reasonable man

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reasonable man" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who acts in a logical and rational manner, often in a legal or ethical context. Example: The court ruled in favor of the defendant, stating that a reasonable man would not have taken the same actions in that situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm a reasonable man".

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was a reasonable man in an unreasonable time".

The New York Times

But the landlord is a reasonable man, he assured me.

The New York Times

"I think a reasonable man wouldn't object to this," he said.

The New York Times

She found a job at a pizza place, where she met a reasonable man.

The New Yorker

"I'm a reasonable man," said Branko Petrovic, 61, a retired police officer.

The New York Times

A visit to the rink suggested that Oats is a reasonable man.

The New Yorker

"He's not a reasonable man that some thought he could be.

The New York Times

Nowadays courts tend to treat as carelessness errors that even a reasonable man would make.

Britannica

And of course Mr. Mandela was not treated until lately as a reasonable man.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's an unusual challenge: Can Jeb Bush live down his reputation as a reasonable man?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While the phrase is widely understood, in very formal contexts (especially legal), it can be more appropriate to use a formal paraphrase or more direct, if appropriate. For instance, saying "a person acting rationally" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid equating "a reasonable man" with the average person. Reasonableness implies rationality, prudence, and consideration of circumstances, not simply conforming to common behavior. Ensure the actions described are justifiable, not just typical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable man" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a person characterized by rational thought, sound judgment, and the ability to make sensible decisions. This is reinforced by the examples found by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to depict individuals acting logically and ethically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable man" is a common and grammatically correct descriptor, frequently appearing in news, media, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to someone who acts rationally and logically, often used as a benchmark in legal and ethical scenarios. While synonymous with terms like "rational person" or "sensible individual", it uniquely implies considering societal norms and ethical considerations. The best practice is to understand its legal implications, particularly when used in legal discourse. Avoid misinterpreting "a reasonable man" as simply an average individual, as reasonableness encompasses rationality, prudence, and careful deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational person

Emphasizes the capacity for logical thought and clear reasoning.

a sensible individual

Focuses on possessing good sense and sound judgment in practical matters.

a level-headed person

Highlights emotional stability and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

a judicious individual

Stresses the ability to make wise and well-considered decisions.

a balanced thinker

Implies impartiality and the consideration of multiple perspectives.

a sound thinker

Highlights the quality of thinking logically and coherently.

an enlightened man

Suggests a person with superior wisdom and understanding.

a clear-headed person

Similar to level-headed, but focuses more on mental clarity.

a pragmatic individual

Focuses on practicality and realistic approaches.

a discerning person

Highlights the ability to judge well and accurately.

FAQs

How is "a reasonable man" used in legal contexts?

In law, "a reasonable man" is a hypothetical individual who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct. This standard is used to determine negligence and whether a person's actions were justifiable under the circumstances. It's a benchmark for expected behavior, not necessarily the average person's actions.

What are some synonyms for "a reasonable man"?

Alternatives include "a rational person", "a sensible individual", or "a level-headed person", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a reasonable man" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts or when aiming for greater precision, consider using more specific language. For example, in a business setting, you might say "a person exercising sound judgment" instead.

What's the difference between "a reasonable man" and "a rational man"?

While similar, "a reasonable man" often implies adherence to societal norms and expectations in addition to rationality. A "rational man" focuses more on logical thinking, whereas "a reasonable man" also considers ethical and practical considerations.