abilities to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abilities to reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity for logical thinking or problem-solving skills. Example: "The candidate demonstrated strong abilities to reason through complex problems during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The court added that jurors awarded less than the $140 million Ms. Gilbert asked for, proving that "they were exercising their independent abilities to reason".

The New York Times

These abilities, the argument goes, aren't specific to language, but are the same sorts of abilities to reason and generalize that allow us, uniquely, to learn math, music, and logic, unlike other animals.

Huffington Post

The characteristics associated with the concept of persons include abilities to reason and communicate, emotionality, abilities to act intentionally, self-awareness, self-regulation, potential to suffer in particular ways, and interests in preserving and developing self and identity (see, e.g., Cassell 2004; Frankfurt 1971; Johnston 1987; Kant 2008 [1788]; Strawson 1962; Watson 1975).

American Journal of Bioethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Furthermore, Chen and Klahr (1999) report explicit instruction resulting in gains in young learners' ability to reason scientifically and increasing their ability to transfer reasoning to related problems.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It's the ability to fit things into a narrative that flatters our ability to reason.

The New Yorker

There is no ability to reason, or to cover up who you really are.

The New Yorker

But it also starts to mess with your ability to reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chimpanzees display awareness of self, ability to reason, and a grasp of numbers.

The Guardian

Empathy requires the ability to reason about the beliefs of others.

The New York Times

This is the ability to reason simultaneously about the whole and about part of the whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

System 2 is slower and moderates System 1; it's the ability to reason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's intellectual strengths, use "abilities to reason" to convey a blend of innate talent and developed skill.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that implies someone is born with advanced "abilities to reason". Emphasize development and practice, as reasoning skills can be cultivated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abilities to reason" functions as a noun phrase describing someone's capacity for logical and analytical thinking. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It's often used to characterize a person's cognitive strengths.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abilities to reason" correctly describes the capacity for logical and analytical thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to highlight intellectual strengths. When using this phrase, consider emphasizing the development of these skills through practice rather than implying innate talent. Related phrases such as "capacity for rational thought" or "skill in critical thinking" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual reasoning capabilities

A more formal way to describe reasoning abilities.

capacity for rational thought

Focuses on the rational aspect of thinking, emphasizing logic and reason.

cognitive reasoning skills

Highlights the cognitive aspect of reasoning.

skill in critical thinking

Highlights the analytical and evaluative nature of the reasoning process.

reasoning competence

Highlights proficiency and expertise in reasoning.

aptitude for logical deduction

Emphasizes the ability to draw conclusions based on logical premises.

rational faculties

Emphasizes the mental powers related to reason.

power of discernment

Refers to the ability to distinguish between different options or ideas.

reasoning prowess

Highlights exceptional skill in reasoning.

mental acuity

Focuses on sharpness and clarity of thought.

FAQs

How can I improve my "abilities to reason"?

Engage in activities that promote critical thinking, such as solving puzzles, studying logic, and participating in debates. Continuous learning and practice are key.

What's the difference between "abilities to reason" and intelligence?

"Abilities to reason" refer specifically to logical and analytical thinking, while intelligence is a broader concept encompassing various cognitive skills, including memory, problem-solving, and learning.

What are some alternative phrases for "abilities to reason"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity for rational thought", "skill in critical thinking", or "aptitude for logical deduction" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "abilities to reason"?

This phrase is suitable in academic, professional, and general contexts when discussing someone's capacity for logical thought, problem-solving skills, or decision-making abilities.