is rational enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rational enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the adequacy of someone's reasoning or decision-making in a particular context. Example: "While his argument may not be perfect, it is rational enough to warrant further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the short term, playing it safe is rational enough.

The New Yorker

Such behaviour is rational enough but many worry about the systemic consequences of a swift build-up of debt.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not if you're rational enough to believe in science.

The New York Times

"The national delegates are rational enough," Mr. Jing said.

The New York Times

(That is hardly a shocking finding — bankers are expected to be rational enough to spend lobbying dollars because they work).

The New York Times

Complex derivatives need to be banned because nobody understands them and few are rational enough to know it.

The Economist

But these are the people least likely to be rational enough to calculate the consequences of their acts, or to be deterred by the prospect of execution.

The Economist

The fears are rational enough: over and over again, we've all seen blog comments devolve into juvenile, offensive bickering, backstabbing and grandstanding.

The New York Times

North Korea's recent opening to the South has prompted questions about whether its leaders may be rational enough to be deterred by the prospect of a retaliatory attack -- much as the old Soviet Union was during the cold war.

The New York Times

That may be because people are selfish or it may be because they are rational enough to know that their individual economic choices are not going to make a blind bit of difference to the future of the planet.

The Economist

Though both India and China have their rabid fringe, they say, they are rational enough to know that a strategic struggle would be sapping and, given each other's vast size, unwinnable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating decisions or actions, use "is rational enough" to indicate that the level of rationality is sufficient for the situation, even if not perfect. This acknowledges practical constraints and acceptable levels of reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "is rational enough" when describing actions driven purely by emotion or impulse. This phrase implies a degree of logical thought, which may be misleading if emotions are the primary motivator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rational enough" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something possesses a sufficient degree of rationality for a given purpose. It suggests a threshold of reason that meets a specific need or expectation, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rational enough" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates an acceptable level of rationality for a particular context. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific texts, conveying a sense of adequacy in reasoning rather than absolute perfection. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context aligns with the implication of logical thought, avoiding its application to purely emotional or impulsive scenarios. Alternatives such as ""is sufficiently rational"" or ""is reasonable enough"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficiently rational

Replaces 'enough' with 'sufficiently', indicating an adequate level of rationality, with a slight shift in emphasis.

is adequately rational

Similar to 'sufficiently rational', 'adequately rational' emphasizes that the level of rationality meets the required standard.

is reasonable enough

Substitutes 'rational' with 'reasonable', suggesting a practical and fair-minded approach rather than strict logic.

possesses sufficient rationality

Rephrases to focus on the possession of rationality, adding a slightly more formal tone.

is rational to a sufficient degree

Elaborates on the extent of rationality, highlighting that it reaches a necessary level.

is logically sound enough

Replaces 'rational' with 'logically sound', focusing on the logical consistency and validity of the reasoning.

exhibits adequate reasoning

Focuses on the act of reasoning, indicating that it is performed to a satisfactory standard.

is sensible enough

Replaces 'rational' with 'sensible', suggesting practicality and good judgment.

is sane enough

Substitutes 'rational' with 'sane', focusing on mental soundness and coherence.

is judicious enough

Replaces 'rational' with 'judicious', focusing on the capacity to make sound judgments.

FAQs

How can I use "is rational enough" in a sentence?

You can use "is rational enough" to describe a decision or behavior that meets a certain threshold of logic or reason, such as, "While the plan isn't perfect, it "is rational enough" to proceed".

What are some alternatives to "is rational enough"?

Alternatives include "is sufficiently rational", "is adequately rational", or "is reasonable enough", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is rational enough" versus "is completely rational"?

"Is rational enough" implies a pragmatic acceptance of a certain level of rationality, acknowledging that perfection is not always necessary or achievable. "Is completely rational" suggests a higher standard of flawless logic, which may be unrealistic in many real-world scenarios.

What does it mean to say someone "is rational enough" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation context, saying someone "is rational enough" means they are capable of understanding the logical arguments and potential consequences of their actions, making them amenable to reasoned discussion and compromise.