chain of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chain of reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the logical process or argumentation that leads to a conclusion. Example: "Her chain of reasoning was clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

clause is intended to include each of the reasons in a long chain of reasoning leading to the belief to count as reasons upon which the belief is based.

SEP

Is this the chain of reasoning?

The Economist

Would Ms. Nguyen's illness reveal yet another missed link in the chain of reasoning and evidence?

The New York Times

Hence, following such rules guarantees only the correctness of a chain of reasoning, not its efficiency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, he said of Dr. Shipman's essay, "it's a lovely chain of reasoning".

The New York Times - Science

The eroticizing of dessert, especially chocolate, may be an American contribution, based on a peculiarly Puritan chain of reasoning.

The New York Times - Food

And that unleashes a chain of reasoning that allows it to conclude, yep, on reflection, I do believe that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Justice Scalia's critics do not respond to this chain of reasoning, but instead pose what they take to be a series of devastating questions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Chains of reasoning from secondary causes are often essential to making big discoveries.

The New Yorker

That approach developed naturally from theoretical math and logic, where problems are solved with linear chains of reasoning.

MIT Technology Review

Obsessions and fixations were as common as brilliant chains of reasoning, and every step forward seemed to be countered by two steps sideways and a half step back.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chain of reasoning" when you want to emphasize a series of interconnected thoughts or arguments that lead to a conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "chain of reasoning" that skips crucial steps or relies on unsupported assumptions; this weakens your argument and makes it easily refutable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence of interconnected thoughts or arguments leading to a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain of reasoning" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that describes a connected series of logical steps or arguments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. To enhance your writing, ensure each step in your "chain of reasoning" logically follows the previous one. Alternatives like "line of reasoning" or "train of thought" can provide nuanced variations, and while oversimplifying arguments should be avoided to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line of reasoning

Focuses on the sequential nature of the argument, similar to "chain of reasoning" but with a slightly less rigid connotation.

train of thought

Emphasizes the flow of thoughts and ideas, often in a less structured manner compared to "chain of reasoning".

logical sequence

Highlights the logical order and progression of ideas, focusing on structure.

sequence of inferences

Specifically emphasizes the inferential steps in the reasoning process.

progression of thought

Stresses the development and advancement of an idea over time.

connected argument

Focuses on the cohesive and interrelated nature of the argument presented.

reasoning process

Highlights the overall process of forming conclusions and judgments.

step-by-step analysis

Emphasizes the methodical and detailed approach to reasoning.

flow of logic

Highlights the logical flow between different points of an argument.

course of argumentation

Highlights the path in which arguments are developed and brought to discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "chain of reasoning" to describe a logical progression of thoughts or arguments, such as, "The lawyer presented a compelling "chain of reasoning" to convince the jury."

What's a good alternative to "chain of reasoning"?

Alternatives include "line of reasoning", "train of thought", or "logical sequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I strengthen a "chain of reasoning" in my writing?

Support each step in your "chain of reasoning" with evidence, examples, and clear explanations to ensure your argument is solid and persuasive.

Is "chain of reasoning" the same as "logical fallacy"?

No, a "chain of reasoning" is a valid progression of logical steps, while a "logical fallacy" is a flaw in reasoning that makes an argument invalid.