assert reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize or declare a rationale or justification for a particular argument or action. Example: "In her essay, she aimed to assert reason as the foundation of her argument against emotional decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The interplay of loyalties and the struggle to assert reason over emotion keep the pages flipping.

The New York Times - Books

With Adolphe Menjou as a cynical general and Kirk Douglas as an ironic colonel who tries to assert reason in wartime.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Before we can decide (he continues) whether the church's asserted reason for terminating Perich is a pretext, we must determine whether this is in fact "a central tenet of Lutheranism".

The New York Times

As these investigators cook and eat they assert life, reason and thought.

The Guardian - Books

We assert the reason is the use of all the reported TDFs in individual samples.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Those who oppose legalizing aid in dying assert several reasons for doing so.

The New York Times

More common are pharmacists who assert religious reasons for refusing to dispense emergency contraception, the "morning after" pill that prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

The New York Times

In a nimble feat of legal jujitsu, the opponents of Obamacare are actually seeking to define some forms of birth control as abortion — which gives employers, they assert, additional reasons to receive exemption from the law.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Bush's legal team fired back, getting a statistician and an actual voter to assert other reasons that could result in a large number of questionable ballots.

The New York Times

The court relied heavily on ballot language, notably to, "permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana".

Huffington Post

Make better wines, Matt Kramer asserts, with reason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert reason", ensure the context clearly indicates a rationale or justification being put forth, especially in argumentative or persuasive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "assert reason" when the justification is weak or based on opinion rather than evidence. Ensure your reasons are well-supported to avoid undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert reason" functions primarily as a verb + noun construction. It signifies the act of stating, declaring, or emphasizing a rationale, justification, or logical basis for something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it implies an interplay of loyalties or an attempt to establish logic, like the example from The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assert reason" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning as a verb + noun construction, and commonly employed to underscore the importance of logic in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times. While not extremely common, its significance lies in conveying the act of emphasizing and defending a rational justification, making it suitable for formal and professional writing where clear and well-supported reasoning is essential. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the rationale and use strong supportive evidence, because it's also found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state rationale

Focuses on presenting the underlying logic or justification.

declare justification

Emphasizes a formal announcement of a reason.

affirm logic

Highlights the act of confirming or validating a logical argument.

maintain rationality

Focuses on upholding or preserving a state of rational thinking.

defend reasoning

Highlights the act of protecting or supporting a line of thought.

uphold justification

Emphasizes the act of supporting the validity of a reason.

advance a rational argument

Focuses on presenting a well-reasoned case.

promote logical thinking

Emphasizes encouraging or advocating for rational thought processes.

establish grounds

Highlights the act of setting the foundation or basis for belief or action.

present a defense

Focuses on offering reasoning in response to opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "assert reason" effectively in a sentence?

Use "assert reason" when you want to emphasize the importance of logic or justification in your argument. For example, "The author used historical evidence to "assert reason" as the basis for policy change".

What's a good alternative to "assert reason"?

Depending on the context, you could use "state rationale" or "declare justification" for a more formal tone. For a more informal tone, you might consider "defend reasoning".

Is "assert reason" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "assert reason" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where the presentation of logical arguments is crucial. However, consider stronger alternatives like "uphold justification" for greater impact.

What is the difference between "assert reason" and "provide reason"?

"Assert reason" emphasizes the act of declaring or insisting on a justification, while "provide reason" simply means offering a reason. "Assert reason" carries a stronger connotation of defending or emphasizing that reason.