be reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reasonable" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
It is typically used as a phrase of advice or a request for someone to think rationally and fairly in a situation. This phrase is often used to remind someone to be fair and consider all sides of an issue, to avoid being stubborn or unreasonable. Example: "I understand your frustration, but please try to be reasonable and consider all the options before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't shout, be reasonable.

Independent

God be reasonable?

The Economist

Speed Limit: Be reasonable....

The New Yorker

"You be reasonable!" Nell shouted.

The New Yorker

You try to be reasonable.

The New Yorker

That may not be reasonable.

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to be reasonable".

The New York Times

I can be reasonable.

The Guardian

But let's be reasonable.

The New York Times

Assumptions should be reasonable.

Cornell University

"You need both sides to be reasonable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be reasonable" in persuasive writing, follow it with supporting arguments or evidence to justify your position. This makes your request more credible and convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "be reasonable" as a generic command without providing specific context or justification. This can come across as dismissive or condescending. Instead, explain why you believe your request or position is reasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reasonable" primarily functions as an imperative, directing or advising someone to adopt a fair, rational, and balanced approach in their thoughts, actions, or demands. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a call for sensible behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reasonable" is a very common imperative phrase used to encourage rational thought, fairness, and balanced decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequency across various contexts, particularly in news, media and wiki environments. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Remember to frame requests politely and provide supporting arguments for your position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply common sense

Advocates for using practical intelligence and sound reasoning.

exercise good judgment

Focuses on the application of sound decision-making skills.

take a level-headed stance

Implies calmness and rationality in one's position.

maintain a balanced perspective

Emphasizes the importance of seeing all sides of an issue.

demonstrate fairness

Highlights acting justly and impartially.

adopt a pragmatic approach

Highlights practicality and realism in addressing a situation.

show moderation

Suggests avoiding extremes in behavior or requests.

keep things in perspective

Reminds to consider the relative importance of matters.

be understanding

Focuses on showing empathy and consideration for others' viewpoints.

find common ground

Stresses the importance of seeking mutual agreement and compromise.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "be reasonable"?

You can soften the request by phrasing it as a question, such as "Could you try to "be reasonable" about this?" or by adding a qualifier, like "I hope you can "be reasonable"."

What does it mean when someone tells me to "be reasonable"?

It typically means they want you to consider their point of view, avoid extreme positions, and find a fair and balanced solution. They're asking you to think rationally and calmly.

Is "be reasonable" the same as "be rational"?

While similar, "be rational" emphasizes logical thinking, whereas ""be reasonable"" includes fairness and consideration for others' perspectives.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "be reasonable"?

It's appropriate when discussions become heated, when someone is making unrealistic demands, or when a compromise is needed. However, avoid using it if the other person is already distressed or feels unheard.