be reasoned with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reasoned with" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to try and persuade or convince someone using logical arguments and sound reasoning. Example: "The stubborn child refused to listen to his parents, but eventually he could be reasoned with and ended up obeying their rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These sulky armies of middle-aged whites are not reasonable, and can't be reasoned with.

Vice

He can be reasoned with".

The New York Times

They can't be reasoned with.

The Guardian - Film

"We knew he could be reasoned with," she said.

The New Yorker

"It can't be bargained with, it can't be reasoned with.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, some people can't be reasoned with.

The New York Times

And the founder, he said, could not be reasoned with.

The New York Times - Magazine

This one is unseen and unheard and cannot be reasoned with.

The New York Times - Tech

He's not the only one who thinks Trump can be reasoned with.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, far-right elements of the House cannot be reasoned with.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, people who think they can assault athletes can't be reasoned with.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be reasoned with", ensure the context clearly indicates who is attempting to reason and about what subject. For example: "The committee could be reasoned with about the budget allocation."

Common error

A common mistake is to forget that "be reasoned with" is in the passive voice. Ensure the subject is the recipient of the reasoning, not the one doing the reasoning. Avoid saying "He could be reasoned with her", instead use "She could reason with him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reasoned with" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for someone to be persuaded or influenced by logical arguments. As Ludwig points out, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be reasoned with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction signifying the capacity for someone to be persuaded through rational arguments. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as pointed out by Ludwig, it maintains a neutral register adaptable to various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is doing the reasoning and about what topic. Consider alternatives like "be persuaded through logic" or "be convinced by arguments" to subtly alter the nuance. The AI confirms its proper usage, and the many real-world examples underscore its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be persuaded through logic

Focuses on the act of persuading rather than the potential for it.

be convinced by arguments

Highlights the role of arguments in achieving conviction.

be swayed by discussion

Emphasizes the influence of discussion in changing someone's mind.

respond to rational arguments

Implies a positive reaction to logical reasoning.

be open to negotiation

Suggests a willingness to compromise and find common ground.

be amenable to discussion

Indicates a favorable attitude towards having a discussion.

be influenced by reason

Highlights the power of reason as an influencing factor.

be receptive to logical appeals

Implies a willingness to consider appeals based on logic.

yield to persuasion

Emphasizes the act of giving in to persuasive efforts.

be brought around by reasoning

Focuses on the process of changing someone's mind through reasoning.

FAQs

How do you use "be reasoned with" in a sentence?

The phrase "be reasoned with" is used to indicate that someone is capable of being persuaded through logical arguments. For example, "Despite his initial resistance, he could "be reasoned with" once presented with the evidence."

What does it mean when someone says a person cannot "be reasoned with"?

If someone cannot "be reasoned with", it means they are unwilling or unable to consider logical arguments or evidence. This often implies they are stubborn, irrational, or strongly committed to their beliefs.

Are there synonyms for "be reasoned with" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "be persuaded through logic", "be convinced by arguments", or "be swayed by discussion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be reasoned with"?

Yes, "be reasoned with" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that someone is the recipient of the action of reasoning or persuasion. The Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English.