capable of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'capable of reasoning' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that is able to think logically and make decisions. For example, "He was a very intelligent man, capable of reasoning through difficult problems".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

When using an OWL reasoner capable of reasoning over instances and enumeration axioms, the third axiom is a consequence of the first two.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The second is that social arrangements need to be justified before the court of reason to each individual who lives under them and who is capable of reasoning.

SEP

People in primitive societies are just as capable of reasoning as people in advanced societies, and sophisticated people are often prepared to trust in irrational approaches.

The New York Times - Books

"Every person is capable of reasoning via either system and likely uses each system to some degree depending on context," Gunnell said.

Cornell University

First, the problem is placed within the context of a generalized mapping strategy and the concept of a common semantic domain is developed which is capable of reasoning about the automation techniques that are to be applied.

University of California, Berkeley

In HCI research there is a body of work concerned with the development of systems capable of reasoning about users' attention and how this might be most effectively guided for specific applications.

Computers in Human Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sheriff Branches is the lawman in King County, Tex., but he's hardly more capable of moral reasoning than Jeliza-Rose.

The New York Times - Books

Professor Lipman's view opposed that of the child-development theorist Jean Piaget, who asserted that children under 12 were not capable of abstract reasoning.

The New York Times

In this paper, we introduce Artificial Nonmonotonic Neural Networks (ANNNs), a kind of hybrid learning systems that are capable of nonmonotonic reasoning.

Artificial Intelligence

A highly developed brain makes him capable of abstract reasoning, language, and introspection, yet in terms of intergender communication the capacity of the male Homo sapiens falls somewhere between that of a mushroom and that of a rutabaga.

The New Yorker

Children are generally thought to be less capable of moral reasoning than adults; they are permitted to be ruder, noisier, even, in a limited way, more violent; they are seen as less responsible for their actions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of reasoning" to describe an entity's general ability to think logically and draw conclusions. Ensure the context clarifies what specific domain or problem the reasoning applies to.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "capable of reasoning" in one area automatically translates to competence in all areas. Specify the context or domain where the reasoning applies to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of reasoning" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject possesses the ability to think logically and draw conclusions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of reasoning" is a versatile descriptor used to denote the possession of logical thinking abilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to specify the domain of reasoning to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives such as "able to reason" or "having the capacity for reasoning", based on your desired nuance. Mastering its appropriate usage enhances clarity in discussions about intelligence, cognition, and decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to reason

Replaces "capable" with "able", a more general term indicating competence.

possessing reasoning skills

Highlights the skills associated with reasoning ability.

intellectually capable of reasoning

Adds intellectual dimension to the reasoning.

having the capacity for reasoning

Uses a more formal and explicit noun phrase to describe the ability.

competent in logical thinking

Emphasizes competence and logical aspect of reasoning.

having a rational mind

Highlights the rational aspect and mental faculty.

equipped for rational thought

Focuses on the preparedness for logical and sensible thinking.

endowed with reason

Emphasizes reason as a gift or inherent quality.

demonstrates sound reasoning

Shifts focus to observable demonstration of reasoning.

adept at logical analysis

Specifies a related skill in logical analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of reasoning" to describe an individual, a system, or even an animal. For example, "The AI is "capable of reasoning" through complex scenarios", or "Even at a young age, she was "capable of reasoning" about abstract concepts".

What are some alternatives to "capable of reasoning"?

Alternatives include "able to reason", "having the capacity for reasoning", or "possessing reasoning skills". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "capacity of reasoning" instead of "capable of reasoning"?

"Capacity of reasoning" refers to the potential or ability to reason. "Capable of reasoning" describes something that currently possesses and uses that ability. While related, they're not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "capable of reasoning" and "capable of logic"?

While related, "capable of logic" specifically focuses on applying formal logic. "Capable of reasoning" is broader, encompassing various forms of rational thought, including but not limited to formal logic.