against all reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"against all reason" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that goes against logical or common sense. Example: "Despite the clear evidence, she continued to defend her friend's actions against all reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

And so, against all reason, you jump.

The New York Times - Travel

Against all reason, the discount has widened.

The New York Times

Wilde, against all reason, sued Queensberry for libel.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the law's backers claim against all reason that it surely cannot lead to racial profiling.

The Economist

He does, against all reason, use the previous season's end rankings as the starting point for the current year's.

The New York Times - Sports

In a world where abandonment seems the outcome of all human ties, Mary Duane remains true, against all reason.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's a whole lot else, and colleges have climbed higher and higher up the list--against all reason, and with needlessly hurtful consequences.

HuffPost

It goes against all the reasons they claim Israel is such a horrible place.

HuffPost

The theatre stands some way between the two and it may be for this reason that against all the odds it is still such a vigorous artistic force.

The Guardian

But you have to realise that faith does not simply plug a gap where reason fears to tread; it actively goes against all that reason tells us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, against all apparent reason and the evidence of their actions, two people affirm their love for each other in the shadow of another couple's death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against all reason", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a conflict with logic or common sense. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the surprising or unexpected nature of an action or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "against all reason" when describing choices that are simply matters of personal taste. The phrase should be reserved for scenarios where there's a clear, objective contradiction to logical principles, not just differing opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against all reason" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or belief is contrary to logic or common sense. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against all reason" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to highlight actions or beliefs that contradict logic or common sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's crucial to reserve its use for situations that genuinely defy logic, rather than merely reflecting personal preferences. Considering alternatives such as "defying logic" or "contrary to logic" can also add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defying logic

Focuses on the contradiction of logical principles.

contrary to logic

Emphasizes the opposition to a logical approach.

in defiance of reason

Highlights the act of resisting rational thought.

belying common sense

Suggests that the action contradicts what is considered sensible.

flying in the face of reason

Implies a bold disregard for rational considerations.

despite all logic

Similar to 'against all reason' but emphasizing the presence of logic that is ignored.

illogically

Adverb that describes doing something without logic.

irrationally

Highlights the lack of rational thought behind the action.

without a logical basis

Emphasizes the absence of a rational foundation.

without rhyme or reason

Indicates a complete lack of logic or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "against all reason" in a sentence?

Use "against all reason" to describe actions, beliefs or decisions that defy logic or common sense. For example: "Against all reason, he decided to invest all his money in a failing business."

What does "against all reason" mean?

"Against all reason" means despite the fact that it is illogical or contrary to what one would expect.

What can I say instead of "against all reason"?

You can use alternatives like "defying logic", "contrary to logic", or "in defiance of reason" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to act "against all reason"?

While acting "against all reason" might seem inherently negative, it can be used to describe situations where intuition or faith guides someone in the face of overwhelming odds or logical arguments, often resulting in unexpected positive outcomes.