a reasoned answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reasoned answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that an answer is thought out and logical, as opposed to an answer that is merely an opinion. For example, you could say "John gave a reasoned answer to the professor's question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For Ascriptivist and Remedial Right Only Theories this means providing a reasoned answer to the question "what counts as an authentic decision to attempt to secede?" (Is there some nonarbitrary way of specifying what sort of majority is required in favor of secession before it can be said that the group in question has chosen to exercise its right to secede?).

SEP

Perhaps, then, you would prefer not an official proclamation but a reasoned answer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He also said the firm had plans to invest in marketing and education tools to raise awareness of the disease — a reasonable and reasoned answer, but one that has been unsatisfactory for many.

Independent

It will be possible to ask a question of the software just as you would if talking to another person, he said; and you could trust that it would return a fully reasoned answer, not just a list of links as Google's search engine does today.

The Guardian - Tech

He would give me, to each of my questions, a full and closely reasoned answer, and stop when he had covered the ground.

The New Yorker

Joseph R. Biden Jr., on the other hand, gave a reasoned and coherent answer that showed he was familiar with the Constitution and how Vice President Dick Cheney has overstepped its restrictions.

The New York Times

If you ever want to know what it looks like when a mob in love with far right nationalism and on fire with a lust for war, violence and empire is "answering" a reasoned appeal for Truth, Peace, Love and Tolerance there is a stunning visual document on YouTube you need to see.

Huffington Post

"You can throw anything at him and he has an informed, reasoned, eloquent answer," LaMalfa said in a phone interview.

Los Angeles Times

A reason to answer 'No' is that the question is whether Jones comes to know the directions, not whether the speaker is reliable.

SEP

What has been called the "leveling-down objection" suggests a reason to answer in the negative: everyone's being equal is not valuable for its own sake.

SEP

We wanted to make sure that students, who might have a reason to answer differently within the months' time, were excluded.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reasoned answer" when you want to highlight that the response is not just based on opinion but on logic and careful consideration.

Common error

While "a reasoned answer" is perfectly correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. It might sound overly formal or even pretentious in situations where a simple, straightforward response is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasoned answer" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reasoned' acts as an adjective modifying 'answer'. It describes the quality of the answer, emphasizing its logical and well-considered nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasoned answer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a response that is based on logic and careful consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it can be used in various contexts, it appears more frequently in news and media, as well as scientific publications. Because of its implication of careful consideration, it is more suitable for formal settings. The phrase shares semantic overlap with alternatives such as "a logical response" and "a well-thought-out reply". Remember to reserve its use for when you want to truly emphasize that an answer is the product of deliberate reasoning, rather than simply an off-the-cuff remark.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical response

Replaces 'reasoned' with 'logical', focusing on the structure of the response.

a thoughtful response

Replaces 'reasoned' with 'thoughtful', focusing on care.

a well-thought-out reply

Emphasizes the depth of consideration involved in crafting the answer.

a carefully considered response

Emphasizes the depth of consideration involved in crafting the answer.

a coherent explanation

Focuses on the clarity and understandability of the provided answer.

a justified conclusion

Highlights that the answer is supported by evidence and rationale.

a sensible solution

Suggests the answer offers a practical and logical resolution.

an intelligent reply

Highlights the use of intelligence to construct the answer.

a rational argument

Emphasizes the use of reason and logic to construct the answer.

a considered opinion

Indicates that the answer is based on careful thought and reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasoned answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasoned answer" when you want to emphasize that the response is based on logic and careful consideration rather than mere opinion. For example: "The professor expected "a reasoned answer", not just a guess."

What are some alternatives to "a reasoned answer"?

Alternatives include "a logical response", "a well-thought-out reply", or "a coherent explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a reasoned answer" formal or informal?

"A reasoned answer" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a response that is carefully thought out and logically structured. It's suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions.

When is it appropriate to use "a reasoned answer"?

It is appropriate to use "a reasoned answer" when the context calls for a thoughtful, logical, and well-supported response, such as in debates, formal discussions, or academic settings. Avoid using it when a quick, casual response is sufficient.