abstract reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abstract reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to cognitive skills, problem-solving, and logical thinking, often in educational or psychological discussions. Example: "The test measures students' abstract reasoning abilities, which are crucial for success in mathematics and science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mason has written extensively about the nature of abstract reasoning and abstraction within mathematical working (e.g., Mason 1989).

International Journal of STEM Education

Multiculturalists have rejected abstract reasoning by a sole reasoner or identical identity less individuals in favour of dialogue.

Comparative Migration Studies

The day begins with a series of tests in verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning.

The Guardian - Money

Fans of "aesthetic" and "dark" entertainment are both well-educated and good at abstract reasoning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Less retention of verbal material and lower abstract reasoning were the strongest predictors, the report said.

The New York Times - Health

tests — which gauge both "fluid" intelligence (abstract reasoning skills) and "crystallized" intelligence (knowledge) — measure something real.

The New York Times - Books

In many cases, crows and chimps can use tools – and sometimes abstract reasoning – better than humans.

The Guardian

But surely it is a mistake to overestimate the importance of abstract reasoning in our lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Numbers and the relationships between them are, after all, just abstract reasoning.

The Economist

I bet the Duke of Wellington didn't have to pass an abstract reasoning test or excel in the long jump.

The Guardian - Money

The Writer has little intellectual curiosity, little interest in pursuing anything as cold and remote as abstract reasoning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive abilities, use "abstract reasoning" to specifically refer to the capacity to understand and manipulate abstract concepts and ideas. It is especially useful in contexts like psychology, education, and artificial intelligence.

Common error

Avoid using "abstract reasoning" as a generic substitute for general intelligence or problem-solving. Ensure the context genuinely involves dealing with abstract concepts, not just practical or concrete issues. If the reasoning relies on concrete information rather than concepts, then it is better to use terms like "logical thinking" or "problem-solving".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abstract reasoning" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a cognitive ability or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Abstract reasoning refers to the cognitive ability to understand and manipulate abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources, highlighting its relevance in academic discussions and general reporting. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context accurately reflects dealing with abstract ideas rather than concrete situations. Related terms such as "logical reasoning" and "critical thinking" offer alternative ways to convey similar but nuanced meanings. Understanding its precise meaning and application is crucial for effective communication in cognitive and professional domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual thinking

Focuses on the mental process of forming ideas and concepts, shifting from the abstract application to its more fundamental components.

logical reasoning

Emphasizes the structured, step-by-step thought process involved in reaching valid conclusions, focusing on structured arguments.

theoretical reasoning

Refers to using established theories to form conclusions, moving the emphasis to a dependence on existing frameworks.

deductive reasoning

Involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles, changing the emphasis to a top-down logical approach.

inferential thinking

Highlights the process of drawing conclusions based on limited information, focusing on implied meanings and indirect evidence.

critical thinking

Focuses on evaluating information and arguments to form a judgment, adding an evaluative aspect.

analytical reasoning

Stresses the detailed examination of elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.

intellectual reasoning

Highlights the use of intellect and cognitive abilities in the reasoning process, generally more related to high-level educational subjects.

philosophical reasoning

Links the reasoning process to philosophical principles and inquiries, grounding the process in a particular field of study.

cognitive processing

Broader term encompassing all mental activities, changes focus to general information processing instead of a specific reasoning method.

FAQs

How is "abstract reasoning" assessed?

"Abstract reasoning" is often assessed through tests like Raven's Progressive Matrices or the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which evaluate an individual's ability to identify patterns and solve problems involving abstract concepts and visual stimuli.

What skills are related to "abstract reasoning"?

"Abstract reasoning" is related to skills such as "logical reasoning", "critical thinking", and "problem solving". It also involves the ability to think conceptually and understand complex relationships.

In what contexts is "abstract reasoning" important?

"Abstract reasoning" is crucial in various fields, including mathematics, science, computer science, and philosophy. It's also essential for high-level decision-making and strategic planning in professional settings.

What is the difference between "abstract reasoning" and "concrete reasoning"?

"Abstract reasoning" involves thinking about concepts and ideas that are not physically present or immediately observable, while "concrete reasoning" focuses on tangible objects and direct experiences. For example, solving a math problem requires abstract reasoning, while following a recipe involves concrete reasoning.