it sounded reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounded reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears logical or acceptable based on what was said or proposed. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I thought it sounded reasonable to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It sounded reasonable.

The New York Times

I paid it, as it sounded reasonable.

Independent

It sounded reasonable then; it sounds reasonable now.

The New Yorker

It sounded reasonable, Mr. Obama told his aides, and plans were made for him to fly to Washington and delay — not postpone — the meeting in Boca Raton, Fla.

The New York Times

I asked McCain about Romney, who had once expressed support for the comprehensive legislation backed by the Bush Administration — it sounded "reasonable," he'd said — but now rails against it as "amnesty".

The New Yorker

It sounded reasonable in theory, but accounts of resulting hardship soon tumbled out – the family charged for a spare room after a child died, the mother charged when two army sons were sent to Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

According to the above reasoning, it sounds reasonable to hypothesise that.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"It sounds reasonable on its face, but when you think about the fact they're extending those loans for only two weeks or so, you realize they're charging a ridiculous interest rates," he said.

Huffington Post

Now, it sounds reasonable.

The Economist

It sounds reasonable enough.

The Economist

It sounds reasonable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it sounded reasonable" when you want to convey that something initially appeared logical or acceptable, but you may not have fully investigated its merits or drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounded reasonable" as a final endorsement without thorough investigation. The phrase implies an initial assessment, not a definitive judgment. Always conduct due diligence before fully accepting something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounded reasonable" functions as an assessment or evaluation of a statement, proposal, or situation. As exemplified in Ludwig, it conveys an initial impression of something being logical or acceptable. It often sets the stage for further analysis or action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounded reasonable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey an initial assessment of something as logical or acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While common in news, media, and science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to use it cautiously, as it indicates a preliminary judgment, not a definitive endorsement. Alternatives like "it seemed logical" or "it appeared plausible" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed logical

Replaces 'sounded' with 'seemed' and 'reasonable' with 'logical', focusing on the internal consistency of the idea.

it appeared plausible

Substitutes 'sounded' with 'appeared' and 'reasonable' with 'plausible', highlighting the surface-level believability.

it came across as sensible

Uses 'came across' to indicate the impression given, and 'sensible' to mean practical and appropriate.

it presented itself as valid

Emphasizes the presentation of validity, suggesting a more formal or structured assessment.

it seemed legitimate

Emphasizes the lawfulness or permissibility of something.

it struck me as fair

Shifts the focus to personal judgment and the concept of fairness rather than just reasonableness.

it was a reasonable proposition

Transforms the original statement into an assessment of a proposition, rather than an immediate reaction.

it rang true

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the feeling of authenticity or credibility.

it looked acceptable

Replaces 'sounded' with 'looked', implying a visual assessment of acceptability rather than an auditory or intellectual one.

it held up to scrutiny

Implies that something was examined and found to be reasonable or acceptable.

FAQs

What does "it sounded reasonable" mean?

The phrase "it sounded reasonable" means that something initially appeared logical, acceptable, or plausible based on the information available at the time. It suggests a preliminary assessment rather than a final judgment.

When is it appropriate to use "it sounded reasonable" in writing?

Use "it sounded reasonable" when you want to convey that something seemed logical or acceptable at first glance, but you might not have fully analyzed it yet. It's suitable for describing initial impressions or reactions.

What can I say instead of "it sounded reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "it seemed logical", "it appeared plausible", or "it struck me as fair" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it sounded reasonable" formal or informal?

The phrase "it sounded reasonable" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and overall context will influence the perceived level of formality.