capable of rational thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of rational thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions. Example: "Humans are generally considered to be capable of rational thought, allowing them to solve complex problems and make informed choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Do you think cats and dogs are capable of rational thought?

The New York Times - Magazine

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: I don't doubt that Boehner is capable of rational thought.

The New Yorker

They teach us that we are not the only beings with personalities, minds capable of rational thought, altruism and a sense of humor.

The New York Times

It, and the primeval swamp around him, awaken prehistoric trace memories, layers and levels in his subconscious that draw him towards the heat, draw him south rather than north, where those still capable of rational thought are headed.

The Guardian - Books

According to the brief in the case, the chimps "are capable of rational thought, communication, and other higher cognitive functions," justifying their treatment as the legal equivalent of minors or disabled humans.

The New Yorker

They added: "For at least 50 of those their behaviour is so disturbed as to show that they are no longer capable of rational thought or behaviour... "It is something that only a small child or animal might behave like..

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She works outside all perceived boundaries of rational thought.

The Guardian - Film

Academic institutions consider themselves bastions of rational thought.

The Guardian

Intuitions are rapid, affectively charged, holistic judgements arrived at without the apparent intrusion of rational thought.

International Journal of Project Management

Yet his virtuoso abilities coexist with a loosely tethered relationship to other types of rational thought.

The New Yorker

How could we assess the power and reach of rational thought within such a system?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cognitive abilities of individuals or groups, use "capable of rational thought" to emphasize their capacity for logical reasoning and informed decision-making. For example, "Leaders should ensure that their teams are capable of rational thought, especially during crises."

Common error

Avoid assuming that individuals are always "capable of rational thought", especially in situations involving strong emotions or biases. Acknowledge that emotional factors can sometimes override rational thinking. For example, instead of saying "Politicians are always capable of rational thought", consider "Politicians are usually capable of rational thought, but emotional factors can influence their decisions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of rational thought" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe the ability to engage in logical and reasoned thinking. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase describes humans, animals, and even abstract concepts, emphasizing the potential for logical reasoning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of rational thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote the ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions. While highly versatile, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralizations and acknowledge that emotional factors can influence thinking. Alternatives such as "able to think logically" or "possessing rationality" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. This phrase appears to be very useful in discussions about the ability to engage in reasoned thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to think logically

This alternative focuses on the logical aspect of thinking, implying a structured and coherent thought process.

able to make reasoned decisions

This focuses on the decision-making aspect, highlighting that choices are based on reason rather than emotion.

able to reason effectively

This emphasizes the effectiveness and success of the reasoning process.

possessing rationality

Highlights the quality of being rational, focusing on adherence to logic and reason.

endowed with reason

This suggests a natural or inherent ability to use reason, often implying a higher level of cognitive function.

thinking logically and clearly

This emphasizes both the logical structure and the clarity of the thought process.

cognitively competent

This phrase highlights the ability to perform cognitive tasks effectively, including rational thought.

mentally astute

This suggests a sharp and perceptive mind, capable of understanding and reasoning effectively.

having cognitive abilities

This is a broader term that encompasses various mental processes, including rational thought.

having sound judgment

Implies the ability to make good decisions based on rational thought and evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of rational thought" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of rational thought" to describe someone or something that can think logically. For instance, "Humans are generally considered "capable of rational thought", allowing them to solve complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "capable of rational thought"?

Alternatives include phrases like "able to think logically", "possessing rationality", or "having cognitive abilities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "not capable of rational thought"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It suggests that the person is unable to think logically or make reasoned decisions. However, consider the sensitivity of the statement and whether it is appropriate for the situation.

What's the difference between "capable of rational thought" and "exhibiting rational behavior"?

"Capable of rational thought" refers to the potential or ability to think rationally, while "exhibiting rational behavior" refers to the actual demonstration of rational thinking through actions and decisions. Someone may be "capable of rational thought" but not always exhibit rational behavior.