is within reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is within reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is acceptable, sensible, or not excessive in a given context. Example: "The price of the car is within reason considering its condition and mileage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Some of their friends watch things like Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, which I think are too grown-up for them," says Jess, adding that she thinks it's fine for children's films to contain frightening elements as long as this is "within reason" and "suitable for their age and character".

The Guardian - Books

The guidelines suggest that it is OK to spend time on emails or texts on domestic matters such as childcare arrangements, as long as the time spent in the meeting is "within reason".

BBC

It is within reason to say women feel attraction but they cannot love men".

The Guardian - Tech

"The scenario for a crackpot pilot being able to do that is within reason," said Leo Janssens, president of the Ohio-based Aviation Safety Institute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is within reason to assume that the commercial value of "Sarah" will rise on the force of the publicity the book has received at trial.

The New York Times

The results shown that the overhead spent on each source as the system queries them is within reason, that is, that using IIR to construct an integrated gathering system incurs low overhead.

Journal of Systems and Software

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The other villains are incredulous, saying they want to do "evil things" that are "within reason".

Huffington Post

"We want it to be within reason, within reasonable cost, not at the expense of everything else we do in the city".

Los Angeles Times

The wine list is more than adequate across the board and prices are within reason.

The New York Times - Arts

Unless you failed to manage basic responsibilities, your life choices were respected as long as they were within reason.

The New York Times

The BBC is quite comfortable with that sort of thing, so long as it's within reason".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is within reason" when you want to convey that something is sensible, acceptable, and not excessive, considering the context. It's useful in situations where moderation or realistic expectations are key.

Common error

Avoid using "is within reason" in overly informal settings, where simpler alternatives like "is reasonable" or "is okay" may sound more natural. The phrase carries a degree of formality that might feel out of place in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is within reason" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by indicating that it falls within acceptable or sensible limits. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is within reason" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something is acceptable, sensible, or realistic. Ludwig AI confirms that it's suitable for various contexts, from evaluating the appropriateness of film content for children to discussing financial investments. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with the intended audience. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science sources, making it a valuable tool for conveying moderation and realistic expectations in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is reasonable

This alternative offers a more direct and common way to express that something is sensible or justifiable.

is justifiable

This suggests that there are valid reasons or grounds to support something.

is acceptable

Indicates that something meets the required standards or is satisfactory.

is permissible

This implies that something is allowed or not forbidden, often by a rule or law.

is appropriate

Suggests that something is suitable or fitting for a particular situation.

is feasible

This indicates that something is possible and likely to be achieved.

is realistic

Suggests that something aligns with reality and practical possibilities.

is understandable

This implies that something is easily comprehended and its reasons are clear.

is defensible

Suggests that something can be justified against criticism or attack.

is tolerable

Indicates that something is bearable or can be endured, although not necessarily ideal.

FAQs

What does "is within reason" mean?

The phrase "is within reason" means that something is sensible, acceptable, and not excessive or beyond what is considered appropriate in a particular situation. It suggests that something is moderate and realistic.

When is it appropriate to use "is within reason" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is within reason" in both formal and semi-formal writing when you want to indicate that something is justifiable, acceptable, or realistic given certain circumstances. It is suitable for contexts where moderation and realistic expectations are key.

What can I say instead of "is within reason"?

You can use alternatives like "is reasonable", "is justifiable", or "is acceptable" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is within reason" and "is reasonable"?

While both phrases are similar, "is within reason" often implies a stronger sense of moderation and realism than "is reasonable". "Is reasonable" is a more general term for something that is sensible or logical, while "is within reason" suggests something is acceptable because it stays within realistic or acceptable limits.