a well-reasoned answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a well-reasoned answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that is logical, thoughtful, and based on sound reasoning. Example: "In response to the complex question, she provided a well-reasoned answer that addressed all the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But you listen and you come back with a well-reasoned answer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The other thing they want to check out is whether you can think on your feet to produce a well-reasoned response to an unexpected question.

Science Magazine

As emphasized in STEM 2026, a vision for innovation in STEM education, "[a]lthough the correct or well-reasoned answer or solution remains important, STEM 2026 envisions focus on the process of getting to the answer, as this is critical for developing and measuring student understanding".

International Journal of STEM Education

I have well-reasoned answers to these questions and a few more; shoot me an email and we can handicap the new world order.

Huffington Post

Offering practical, real-world advice, it helps you think through and resolve difficult cases, prompting thoughtful, well-reasoned answers to the question of "What do I do in this situation?" --Provided by publisher.

Stanford University

The final regression model, which also includes estimates for influences of gender, teacher student relationship, teacher's instructional clarity, situational uncertainty, and potential interactions of AAD and situational uncertainty, explains about 27%% of inter-individual differences in giving such well-reasoned answers.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

If anyone didn't provide a well-reasoned, plausible, articulate answer, she didn't suffer the indignity in silence.

Genetics

— can be answered only with a well-reasoned guess, or with our imaginations.

The Washington Post

In response, Duchesne gave what Nosanchuk writes was a "well-reasoned argument", which the jury paid rapt attention to.

Wikipedia

Judge Chandler makes a well-reasoned argument.

The New York Times

It reveals a well-reasoned, opinionated and grounded student.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a well-reasoned answer" when you want to emphasize that a response is not only correct but also thoughtfully constructed and logically sound. It's particularly effective in academic, professional, or formal contexts where clear and logical thinking is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a well-reasoned answer" in casual or informal settings where simpler phrases like "good answer" or "smart response" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a well-reasoned answer" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "answer". It describes the quality of the answer, emphasizing its logical and thoughtful construction, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a well-reasoned answer" is a phrase used to describe a response that is logical, thoughtful, and supported by evidence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic settings. While versatile, it's most appropriate in formal scenarios where clear and logical thinking is valued. Consider alternative phrases like "a logical explanation" or "a sound argument" to add variety to your writing or to better fit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical explanation

Emphasizes the logical structure and clarity of the explanation.

a sound argument

Highlights the solidity and validity of the presented argument.

a justified response

Focuses on the justification and rationale behind the response.

a coherent reply

Highlights the clarity and understandability of the reply.

a substantiated claim

Emphasizes that the claim is supported by evidence.

a defensible position

Highlights that the position can be defended with reasoning and evidence.

a validated solution

Focuses on the validation and correctness of the solution.

a credible explanation

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

a plausible response

Highlights that the response is believable and likely.

a supported argument

Emphasizes that the argument has evidence and support.

FAQs

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

You can use "a well-reasoned answer" to describe a response that is logical, thoughtful, and supported by evidence. For example, "The lawyer presented "a well-reasoned answer" to the judge's question".

What are some alternatives to "a well-reasoned answer"?

Alternatives to "a well-reasoned answer" include "a logical explanation", "a sound argument", or "a justified response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "a well-reasoned answer" in formal contexts, such as academic discussions, professional presentations, or legal proceedings, where clear and logical thinking is valued.

What distinguishes "a well-reasoned answer" from a simple "correct answer"?

"A well-reasoned answer" not only provides the correct information but also demonstrates the logical process and evidence supporting that information. It emphasizes the how and why of the answer, not just the what.