it seems rational

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems rational" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to express that something appears to be reasonable or logical. Example: After carefully considering all the evidence, it seems rational to conclude that the defendant is innocent.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Because HIET failures have mainly been reported when it was introduced late as a rescue measure, it seems rational to propose its earlier use in patients with hemodynamic compromise associated with CCB overdose.

Critical Care

So it seems rational to welcome a device that separates the dangerous part of smoking (the tar, carbon monoxide and smoke released by the process of combustion) from the nicotine.

The Economist

Leukotrienes play a key role in asthma pathophysiology, and since pro-inflammatory leukotrienes are poorly suppressed by corticosteroids it seems rational to add a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) when a low to moderate dose of inhaled corticosteroids does not provide sufficient disease control.

Respiratory Medicine

So why couldn't he approach this particular part of the family with some of the credibility that he had in 'The Russian Album,' where there was at least an admission of some of his ancestors' sins?" It seems rational to assume that the next election will turn on the kinds of local policy differences that fill all politics.

The New Yorker

It seems rational to create a professional ethics code for networked experts.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

It seems rational to refuse, no matter how huge the prize.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It seemed rational to use birth events occurring outside as a distinct group.

BMC Pediatrics

"It now seems rational to flee pain rather than to face it, even at the cost of addiction," said Illich.

Vice

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Vice

It therefore seems rational to administer the LMWH in the extracorporeal circuit, especially because longer circuit life was associated with higher anti-Xa activities.

Critical Care

I understand the rationales of the authors' choice using the connectivity with specific mushroom body lobes, and it may seem rational within this paper as it builds from Kenyon cell subtypes to MBONs.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient basis for the rationality being asserted. State the supporting evidence or reasoning, so it doesn't come across as an unsubstantiated opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems rational" to justify actions that are primarily driven by emotion or bias. Ensure the justification is genuinely based on reason and evidence, not simply wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems rational" primarily functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of certainty or likelihood regarding a proposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suggests a reasonable conclusion based on available information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems rational" is a versatile phrase used to express a logical conclusion or reasonable assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its application across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal communication. While frequently used, writers should ensure the rationality is genuinely supported by evidence and avoid overstating the case. Consider alternatives like "it seems logical" or "it appears reasonable" to fine-tune the nuance. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings, maintaining a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems logical

Replaces "rational" with "logical", focusing on a step-by-step reasoning process.

it makes sense to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression of understanding.

it appears reasonable

Substitutes "seems" with "appears" and "rational" with "reasonable", suggesting an assessment based on available information.

it stands to reason

Offers a more emphatic assertion of logical conclusion.

one can reasonably assume

Shifts the perspective to a general possibility of reasonable assumption.

it's a fair assumption

Shifts the focus to the idea being a reasonable assumption.

it is understandable that

Focuses on the understandability of a situation or decision.

the logical conclusion is

Highlights that the conclusion comes from logical reasoning.

it is sensible to think

Emphasizes the sensibility or wisdom of a particular thought or action.

it's a valid point

Highlights the validity or correctness of an argument or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems rational" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems rational" to introduce a statement that appears logical or reasonable based on the available information. For example, "Given the circumstances, "it seems rational" to proceed with caution."

What are some alternatives to "it seems rational"?

Alternatives include "it seems logical", "it appears reasonable", or "it makes sense to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems rational" formal or informal?

"It seems rational" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more emphatic alternatives to strengthen your point.

What's the difference between "it seems rational" and "it is rational"?

"It seems rational" suggests a tentative conclusion based on current evidence, while "it is rational" implies a stronger, more definitive assertion of rationality. The former acknowledges potential uncertainty, while the latter presents the idea as more firmly established.