having the ability to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having the ability to reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing cognitive skills, intelligence, or the capacity for logical thought. Example: "Humans are unique in having the ability to reason, which allows them to solve complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fact that the robot had a voice and a body seemed to be enough to persuade some people that it had the ability to reason.

Harvard Business Review

The literature on student learning shows that even young students have the ability to reason scientifically if given an appropriate context.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Note also that these theories should not be confused with computer programs that have the ability to reason about geometrical objects.

SEP

Intelligent machines currently being designed will soon have the ability to reason for themselves, to improve themselves, and in a short time will exponentially exceed the intellectual capacity of human beings.

Huffington Post

We have the ability to reason so that we can produce the best of "goods" as physicians, the good will, and in so doing, unconditionally provide it to an outlier.

BMC Medical Ethics

For example, in Dr Fan's and Dr Liberman's experiment the bilingual children had better executive function than the exposure ones, while all three groups had similar vocabularies, fluid intelligence (the ability to reason quickly and think abstractly) and non-verbal visual-spatial skills.

The Economist

But the bad guys have sympathetic back stories and the ability to reason with those who try.

The New York Times - Books

And a child's emotional state, said Dr. Donald Rosenblitt, a psychoanalyst specializing in treating children and director of the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood in Cary, N.C., often can have a direct impact on the ability to reason.

The New York Times

They learn to compensate for minor changes in the speed of recall and to use the wisdom that has accumulated over the years to maintain the ability to reason and think creatively.

Harvard University

This comes from my experience in the military environment, which can be a very competitive environment, but you still have to have the ability to show compassion and reason and understanding and logic, because people respect those qualities.

The New York Times

No other political issue has had the ability to animate people beyond reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex decision-making, highlight the phrase "having the ability to reason" to emphasize the importance of logical thought processes.

Common error

Avoid using "having the ability to reason" when describing basic cognitive functions; reserve it for situations where complex problem-solving or critical thinking is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having the ability to reason" functions as a noun phrase that describes a cognitive attribute or capacity. It's used to characterize individuals or entities that possess the capability for logical thought and deduction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

17%

News & Media

61%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having the ability to reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the capacity for logical thought. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed usable in written English. Though examples are limited, contexts range from science and academia to news and media. While primarily neutral in tone, careful attention should be paid to avoid overstating the phrase's use in scenarios involving only basic cognitive functions. Considering related phrases like "possessing reasoning skills" and "capable of rational thought" can offer nuanced alternatives in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessing reasoning skills

Focuses on the skill set rather than the general ability.

capable of rational thought

Emphasizes the rational aspect of thinking.

able to think logically

Highlights the logical process of thinking.

having cognitive capacity

Refers to the overall cognitive function that includes reasoning.

endowed with reason

Implies a natural gift or inherent quality.

demonstrating sound judgment

Focuses on the outcome of reasoning rather than the ability itself.

proficient in logical analysis

Highlights proficiency and analysis.

adept at critical thinking

Emphasizes critical evaluation skills.

equipped with intellectual faculties

Focuses on the intellectual tools available.

showing intellectual prowess

Highlights exceptional skill in reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "having the ability to reason" in a sentence?

You can use "having the ability to reason" to describe someone's capacity for logical thought, as in: "Effective leaders are known for "demonstrating sound judgment" and having the ability to reason through complex issues".

What are some alternatives to "having the ability to reason"?

Alternatives include "possessing reasoning skills", "capable of rational thought", or "able to think logically".

Is it grammatically correct to say "having the ability to reason"?

Yes, "having the ability to reason" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe someone's cognitive capacity.

What is the difference between "having the ability to reason" and "being intelligent"?

"Having the ability to reason" refers specifically to the capacity for logical and rational thought, while "being intelligent" is a broader term encompassing various cognitive abilities, including memory, learning, and problem-solving.