he is rational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is rational" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who makes decisions based on reason and logic rather than emotions or impulses. Example: "In discussions, he is rational and always presents well-thought-out arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He is rational about the radiation risks to himself, but fears his daughter growing up in such a potentially poisonous environment.

The Economist

He is rational because the second character is not the negation of the first character (roughly speaking).

SEP

Whatever guide to behavior an individual regards as overriding and wants to be accepted by everyone in his group is that individual's morality; but if he is rational it will include prohibitions on causing harm.

SEP

To carry out this backwards induction argument, Alan implicitly assumes that: (i) he knows that Fiona knows he is rational, and (ii) he knows that Fiona knows that he knows she is rational.

SEP

A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational.

Huffington Post

Obama's vibe isn't Bill Clinton's "I feel your pain". It's Spock's "I see your point of view". He is rational always, rattled never.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He's rational, considered and intellectual.

The Guardian

"I hope he's rational," Mr. Trump added of Mr. Kim.

The New York Times

He's rational and brutal, which is a harder sell on the screen, where every punch carries an unsettling intensity that the director, Gavin Hood, has trouble managing.

The New York Times

The police enclosed the group in the bank vault, & evaluated Olsson's behavior, concluding that he was rational, & that the more time he spent with his captives, the more likely the drama would end in his capitulation.

The New Yorker

He's rational enough to comprehend you're not cheating when you smile politely at the waiter.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use alternatives like "he is logical" or "he is reasonable" to diversify your language and to tailor the phrase to the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "he is rational" without providing concrete examples or evidence to support your claim. Back up your assertion with specific instances where the person demonstrated reason and logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is rational" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a person's way of thinking or behaving. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for describing someone who bases decisions on logic and reason.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is rational" describes someone who makes decisions based on logic and reason, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, it is essential to use the phrase with supporting evidence to avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases like "he is logical" or "he is reasonable" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Overall, understanding the contexts and implications of this phrase ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is logical

Emphasizes the person's adherence to logical principles and reasoning.

he is reasonable

Highlights the person's willingness to consider different viewpoints and make fair decisions.

he is sensible

Focuses on the person's practicality and sound judgment in everyday matters.

he is level-headed

Suggests the person remains calm and composed, especially in difficult situations.

he is clear-thinking

Emphasizes the person's ability to analyze situations and make decisions without confusion.

he is astute

Implies the person is perceptive and insightful, able to understand complex issues.

he is judicious

Highlights the person's careful and balanced approach to decision-making.

he is pragmatic

Focuses on the person's practical approach, prioritizing what is effective and achievable.

he is analytical

Emphasizes the person's use of systematic analysis and critical thinking.

he is calculating

Suggests the person carefully weighs options and potential outcomes before acting (can have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context).

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is rational"?

Saying "he is rational" means that the person typically makes decisions based on reason and logic rather than emotions or impulses. It suggests that they are capable of thinking clearly and making sound judgments.

What can I say instead of "he is rational"?

You can use alternatives like "he is logical", "he is reasonable", or "he is sensible" depending on the specific context and the aspect of rationality you want to emphasize.

Is it always a compliment to say "he is rational"?

While generally positive, describing someone as "he is rational" can sometimes imply that they are unemotional or detached. The connotation depends heavily on the context and the speaker's intent.

How do you use "he is rational" in a sentence?

You can use "he is rational" to describe someone's behavior or decision-making process. For example, "In discussions, "he is rational" and always presents well-thought-out arguments."