it sounds reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it sounds reasonable" is a correct and usable phrase in written and spoken English.
You can use it when you think that an idea or opinion has a reasonable basis or is likely to be true. Example: I think we should take the train instead of driving - it sounds reasonable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 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

It sounded reasonable then; it sounds reasonable now.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It sounded reasonable.

The New York Times

I paid it, as it sounded reasonable.

Independent

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds reasonable" to express agreement with an idea or suggestion, but follow up with your own analysis or perspective to add value.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it sounds reasonable" and moving on. Elaborate on why it's reasonable, adding depth to your response and showing critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds reasonable" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that something appears logical, sensible, or acceptable based on initial assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express agreement or acknowledgement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds reasonable" is a commonly used expression to indicate agreement, acceptance, or provisional endorsement of an idea or proposal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, the phrase carries a neutral tone, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. To enhance its impact, avoid overuse and provide additional insights when expressing that something sounds reasonable. Consider alternatives like "it seems logical" or "that makes sense" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a reasonable suggestion

Explicitly labels the idea as a reasonable and practical proposal.

it seems logical

Emphasizes the logical aspect of the idea, suggesting a clear and rational connection.

it's a sound idea

Indicates the idea is well-founded and likely to be successful.

it appears sensible

Highlights the practicality and good judgment behind the idea.

that seems plausible

Focuses on the believability and credibility of the suggestion.

that makes sense

A more informal way of expressing agreement and understanding.

it holds water

An idiomatic expression suggesting the idea is valid and defensible.

it stands to reason

Implies the idea is a logical conclusion based on available evidence.

it seems a valid point

Acknowledges the idea as a legitimate and relevant consideration.

it's a fair point

Recognizes the idea as just and reasonable, even if not fully agreed upon.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "it sounds reasonable"?

When someone says "it sounds reasonable", they are expressing agreement or acknowledging that an idea or suggestion appears logical and sensible.

How can I use "it sounds reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds reasonable" to express agreement or acceptance of an idea. For example: "Their proposal to reduce costs "it sounds reasonable", but we need to examine the details carefully."

What are some alternatives to saying "it sounds reasonable"?

Alternatives include "it seems logical", "that makes sense", or "that seems plausible". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it sounds reasonable" formal or informal?

"It sounds reasonable" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional contexts.