be a reasonable alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a reasonable alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing options or choices that are considered acceptable or sensible in a given context. Example: "While there are many solutions to this problem, we believe that this option will be a reasonable alternative."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That would be a reasonable alternative," Mr. Bishop said.

The New York Times

A subdermal levonorgestrel (LNG) implant may be a reasonable alternative.

Contraception

Short stem hip replacement may be a reasonable alternative to classic implants and surface hip replacements.

Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología

The formulation has been demonstrated to be a reasonable alternative to expensive proto type testing.

Engineering Structures

We studied whether mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could be a reasonable alternative with fewer side effects.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

These results suggest that ctDNA may be a reasonable alternative to tumor DNA for delineating the subclonal architecture of SCLC.

Nature

Focal cranial RT for nLMD recurrence after surgery and SRS for brain metastases may be a reasonable alternative to WBRT.

Stanford University

A sympathetic nurse scientist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Insthatte closedesurveillance surveillance might be a reasonable alternative to surgery for some women.

The New York Times

Conclusions: Use of the nondominant hand for clock drawing appears to be a reasonable alternative for those who are unable to use their dominant hand.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Our results also show that for dense graphs the new Lagrangean relaxation proves to be a reasonable alternative to solving the LP relaxation of the hop-indexed model.

European Journal of Operational Research

However, in certain situations a multivalued observer, an observer giving multiple possible values of the state can be a reasonable alternative.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context and audience to ensure the "alternative" you propose aligns with the intended purpose and sophistication level.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the advantages of the "alternative". Present a balanced view, acknowledging potential drawbacks to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a reasonable alternative" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject as a viable or acceptable substitute, suggestion, or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a reasonable alternative" is a versatile expression used to suggest a viable substitute or option. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts—particularly science, news, and formal settings—make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit. Remember to clearly define what the alternative is to and avoid overstating its benefits to maintain credibility. Considering its numerous semantically related alternatives, you can refine your wording to best suit your specific purpose and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a suitable option

Focuses on the appropriateness of the choice.

act as a sensible substitute

Stresses the wisdom and rationality behind choosing the substitute.

constitute a viable substitute

Emphasizes the potential to replace something else effectively.

represent a sound option

Highlights the reliability and judgment involved in the choice.

serve as a practical solution

Focuses on the usefulness and effectiveness in addressing a problem.

prove to be an acceptable replacement

Indicates that something has shown itself to be a worthy substitute.

offer a workable compromise

Suggests mutual concessions and a pragmatic resolution.

present a credible possibility

Emphasizes the believability and potential of the option.

function as an effective stand-in

Highlights the ability to temporarily replace something without significant loss of functionality.

emerge as a favorable choice

Suggests that something has become preferable due to certain advantages.

FAQs

How can I use "be a reasonable alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "be a reasonable alternative" to suggest a viable option or substitute, such as: "For those wary of surgery, close monitoring might "be a reasonable alternative"".

What are some synonyms for "be a reasonable alternative"?

Some synonyms include "be a suitable option", "constitute a viable substitute", or "serve as a practical solution". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to suggest an alternative?

No, suggesting an alternative is not always appropriate. Ensure that the alternative is truly viable and addresses the core needs or concerns as well as, or nearly as well as, the original option. Otherwise, it may not "be a reasonable alternative".

What factors make an alternative 'reasonable'?

Reasonableness depends on factors like cost-effectiveness, practicality, feasibility, ethical considerations, and alignment with goals. A "be a reasonable alternative" should offer an acceptable balance of these factors.