it is only reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a certain action or expectation is logical or justified based on the circumstances. Example: "Given the circumstances of the situation, it is only reasonable to expect a prompt response from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The Supreme Court said in its ruling that "it is only reasonable for family members to have the same name," Kyodo news agency reported.

Vice

It is only reasonable.

The New York Times - Sports

With so many people to blame, it is only reasonable to assume that somehow, we're all to blame.

The New York Times

As the theory's success relies on robust numerical experiments, it is only reasonable that the same scientific standard of reproducibility is applied to galaxy simulations.

Harvard University

"It is only reasonable to give high values to more-polluting producthanhan to less-polluting products," Connie Hedegaard, the E.U. climate commissioner, said this week.

The New York Times

"It is only reasonable to assume that people in a position to set their own salaries have a natural incentive to treat themselves generously, or at the very least to be rather optimistic in gauging their marginal productivity," Piketty writes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's only reasonable that bonuses should be discretionary to reward performance.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt it's only reasonable and smart to be a part of it.

The New York Times

"It's only reasonable that they take precautions, even if it slows them up a bit.

The Guardian

This prosecution notwithstanding, it's only reasonable to despair over American social immobility.

The Washington Post

It's only reasonable that the actors would begin to look smaller as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only reasonable" to introduce an action, decision, or expectation that aligns with logic, fairness, or common sense within a given context. This phrase is effective in setting expectations and justifying positions.

Common error

While "it is only reasonable" is useful, avoid overuse. Vary your language with alternatives like "it stands to reason" or "it's understandable" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is only reasonable" is to serve as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for a statement or expectation. Ludwig AI examples show its use to present something as logically justified or fair.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only reasonable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a logical or fair expectation or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across news media, scientific literature, and formal business settings. To enhance writing, it’s crucial to ensure logical flow and consider substituting the phrase with alternatives like "it stands to reason" or "it's only logical" to avoid repetition. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can use “it is only reasonable” effectively to create a coherent and persuasive narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stands to reason

Focuses on the logical aspect; emphasizes that the conclusion is a natural consequence of the premises.

it's only logical

Emphasizes the logical aspect, presenting something as the clear and rational conclusion.

it is to be expected

Highlights that something is anticipated or predictable based on the situation.

it's just fair

Emphasizes the fairness aspect, highlighting that something aligns with principles of justice and equity.

it is understandable

Focuses on the comprehensibility of something, making it easy to grasp and accept.

it's a fair assumption

Presents something as a justifiable assumption given the available information.

it is within reason

Indicates that something falls within the bounds of what is considered sensible or acceptable.

it's within the bounds of possibility

Suggests that something is achievable or realistic, given the existing constraints.

it's a natural conclusion

Emphasizes that something follows naturally from the preceding events or information.

it could be anticipated

Highlights that something was predictable or foreseen in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "it is only reasonable" in a sentence?

Use "it is only reasonable" to introduce an expectation or action that logically follows from a given situation. For example, "Given the circumstances, "it is only reasonable" to expect a delay".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is only reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "it stands to reason", "it's only logical", or "it is to be expected" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is only reasonable"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight that a particular action, decision, or conclusion aligns with logic, fairness, or common sense given the circumstances. It's particularly useful when justifying expectations or explaining why something is a natural consequence.

Is there a difference between "it is only reasonable" and "it seems only reasonable"?

While both phrases convey a similar idea, "it is only reasonable" implies a stronger sense of justification or logical necessity. "It seems only reasonable" suggests more of a subjective impression or opinion. The former is more assertive, while the latter is slightly more tentative.