can reason with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can reason with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to engage in logical thinking or argumentation with someone or something. Example: "I believe that a good leader can reason with their team to find the best solutions to problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Someone you can reason with.

The New York Times

Writer thinks about how nobody can reason with her.

The New Yorker

"This is not a foe we can reason with, or negotiate with, or appease.

The New York Times

I know what I want and I can reason with my parents.

The Guardian

"I can reason with a cube," he wrote in the magazine Art in America, "but I cannot cherish one".

The New York Times

"If you have a policy dispute or something, you can reason with someone and work things out, but you don't reason with nature, certainly not over the past two weeks," the 57-year-old Dr. Browne said, sitting in the laboratory's bustling emergency operations center in jeans and a windbreaker.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For instance, some might regard theological discourse as intelligible by holding that one can reason well with respect to Biblical exegesis.

SEP

"How can you reason with someone like that?" the driver demanded, adding that when he drove in Urfa he conducted himself according to logic and not according to the traffic laws, because the rate of survival for someone who followed traffic laws had dropped to zero per cent.

The New Yorker

Or maybe it wouldn't have mattered at all; how can you reason with what is inherently unreasonable.

Huffington Post

What kinds of abstractions are formed by deep networks, and how can we reason with these abstractions and combine them?

Huffington Post

They also elected their tribal governor, Miguel Cruz Moreno, in part because he speaks and writes Spanish and they feel he can best reason with outsiders.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "can reason with" with a specific strategy or approach, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving. "By presenting data, he can reason with management to adopt sustainable practices."

Common error

Avoid using "can reason with" when the situation involves coercion or manipulation. The phrase suggests a fair exchange of ideas, not a forced agreement. Persuasion and logical argumentation should be a focus, not pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can reason with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to engage in logical discussion and arrive at a mutually acceptable conclusion. As seen in Ludwig, it is used when describing interactions that involve persuasion and understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can reason with" is a versatile expression that suggests the ability to engage in logical discussion and potentially reach an agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It's important to note that it implies an element of fairness and mutual understanding, making it unsuitable for situations involving coercion or manipulation. When aiming for more formal language, consider alternatives such as "is amenable to reason" or "can negotiate with". Ultimately, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can negotiate with

Focuses on reaching an agreement through discussion, implying a more formal or structured approach.

can discuss with

Emphasizes the act of talking and exchanging ideas, without necessarily implying persuasion or agreement.

can come to terms with

Highlights the achievement of an understanding or compromise after a period of disagreement or difficulty.

can be talked into

Suggests the possibility of being persuaded to do something, implying a degree of influence.

is amenable to reason

Describes someone as open to logical arguments and willing to change their mind based on evidence.

can be persuaded by

Indicates the capability of being convinced by someone's arguments or appeals.

can influence

Focuses on the ability to affect someone's actions or decisions, often through subtle or indirect means.

can sway

Implies a gentle but effective persuasion, often changing someone's opinion or belief.

can find common ground with

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs, leading to better understanding and cooperation.

can reach an understanding with

Highlights the achievement of a mutual agreement or awareness of each other's perspectives.

FAQs

How do I use "can reason with" in a sentence?

Use "can reason with" to indicate the ability to have a logical discussion and potentially reach an understanding or agreement. For example, "I believe I "can reason with" him if I present my case clearly".

What's a more formal way to say "can reason with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is amenable to reason" or "can negotiate with". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "can reason with"?

It's inappropriate when describing situations involving coercion, manipulation, or dealing with individuals who are unwilling to engage in logical discussion. In such cases, the phrase does not accurately reflect the dynamic.

What can I say instead of "can reason with" to emphasize persuasion?

If you want to emphasize persuasion, consider using phrases like "can influence" or "can sway". These alternatives highlight the ability to change someone's mind.