capable of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective phrase used to describe someone or something that is capable of thought and making rational decisions. For example, you could say "Humans are the only species on Earth capable of reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The attention to a youngster's spiritual state intensified at adolescence, when children became simultaneously more capable of reason and less reasonable.

The New Yorker

I am capable of reason.

The New Yorker

She argued, apparently outrageously, that women were capable of reason – all they lacked was education.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thinkers from Aristotle to Kant questioned whether women were fully capable of reason.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Brown believes that the truth of Catholicism should be apparent to anyone capable of reason.

The New York Times

"You have one person [Robinson] who was so fucking gone, and another man [Kenny] who was trained and capable of reason.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For his part, Aristotle prefers to see slaves treated as children and to use not only orders but also recommendations, as the slave is capable of understanding reasons when they are explained.

Wikipedia

Young people are naturally more prone to rule-breaking because they are impulsive and generally less capable of reasoned judgment.

The New York Times

By responding maturely, you will prove to them that you are capable of understanding their reasons.

WikiHow

Aristotle distinguishes two kinds of virtue (1103a1 10): those that pertain to the part of the soul that engages in reasoning (virtues of mind or intellect), and those that pertain to the part of the soul that cannot itself reason but is nonetheless capable of following reason (ethical virtues, virtues of character).

SEP

If human beings were potentially capable of applying reason in their lives they would show some sign of learning from what they had done wrong in the past, but history and everyday practice show them committing the same follies over and over again.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or beings (like AI or theoretical entities), using "capable of reason" lends a sense of sophistication and intellectual capacity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of reason" when simpler terms like "rational" or "logical" suffice. The phrase is more impactful in formal or philosophical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of reason" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun possesses the ability to think and make judgments based on logic and rationality. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of reason" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase that denotes the ability to think logically and rationally. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal contexts, such as philosophical discussions, news articles, and scientific reports. While simpler alternatives like "rational" or "logical" may suffice in everyday conversation, "capable of reason" lends a more sophisticated tone when describing intellectual capacities. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and avoids overuse in simple situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational

A more concise adjective describing someone who exhibits reason.

capable of rational thought

Directly replaces "reason" with "rational thought" for emphasis.

able to think rationally

Focuses on the ability to apply logic and rational thought.

able to use logic

Emphasizes the practical application of logical thinking.

endowed with rationality

Highlights the inherent quality of possessing reason.

having the power of reason

Emphasizes the strength and capacity to reason effectively.

possessing cognitive abilities

Broader term that includes various mental processes beyond just reason.

having sound judgment

Highlights the ability to make wise decisions based on reason.

intellectually competent

Focuses on overall intellectual skill and capability.

cognizant

This describes someone aware and knowledgeable, though it doesn't explicitly state reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of reason" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of reason" to describe entities or beings that possess the ability to think logically and rationally, for example: "Humans are generally considered "capable of reason", unlike other animals".

What is a simpler way to say "capable of reason"?

Alternatives include "rational", "logical", or "reasonable" depending on the specific context. These words convey similar meanings with fewer words.

What is the difference between "capable of reason" and "rationality"?

"Capable of reason" describes the ability to use reason, while "rationality" refers to the quality or state of being rational. One is a capability, the other is a characteristic.

Is it correct to say an animal is "capable of reason"?

While some animals may exhibit problem-solving skills, the extent to which they are "capable of reason" is debated. It's more accurate to say they are capable of learning or problem-solving.