it stands to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it stands to reason' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an idea or situation that makes sense and does not require further proof. For example, "Given that we have limited resources, it stands to reason that we will have to make changes to our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if China's workers are ageing, it stands to reason that its customers are maturing too.

The Economist

"It stands to reason," Mr. Dergarabedian said.

The New York Times

It's true, because it stands to reason.

The Guardian

"It stands to reason," he said.

The New York Times

It stands to reason, doesn't it?Perhaps not.

The Economist

So it stands to reason that fires may actually decrease.

The Guardian

And it stands to reason because it's true.

The Guardian

It stands to reason that some must've shared a name.

The Guardian

And it stands to reason that central banks should lean against that, as well.Why don't they?

The Economist

"It stands to reason people around the world are studying teams and games," he said.

The New York Times

"It stands to reason that some would prefer to believe something else".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it stands to reason", ensure that the connection between the premise and the conclusion is clear and direct. Avoid using the phrase when the link is tenuous or requires additional explanation.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "it stands to reason". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases such as "it is logical" or "it makes sense".

How to use

Learn how to use "it stands to reason" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it stands to reason" functions as an introductory phrase to indicate that a conclusion or statement is logical and follows naturally from the preceding information. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in drawing logical inferences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it stands to reason" is a versatile expression used to introduce a logical conclusion or inference. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly news and media, and science. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, overuse should be avoided to maintain engaging content. Alternatives like "it is logical" or "it makes sense" can enhance sentence variety. When using "it stands to reason", ensure a clear connection between the premise and conclusion for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is logical

Replaces 'stands to reason' with a more direct statement of logical deduction.

it follows logically

Emphasizes the sequential and logical nature of the conclusion.

it makes sense

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express the idea of something being reasonable.

it is reasonable to assume

Highlights the assumption based on available information.

it is a fair assumption

Indicates that the assumption is justified and likely correct.

it is to be expected

Focuses on the anticipation of an outcome based on current conditions.

it is only to be expected

Similar to "it is to be expected" but adds emphasis.

it is a natural consequence

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship leading to a particular result.

it is a given

Suggests that something is a self-evident truth or fact.

it is self-evident

Similar to "it is a given", but more formal and emphatic.

FAQs

How can I use "it stands to reason" in a sentence?

Use "it stands to reason" to introduce a logical conclusion based on preceding information. For example, "Given the increasing demand, it stands to reason that prices will rise".

What can I say instead of "it stands to reason"?

You can use alternatives like "it is logical", "it makes sense", or "it is reasonable to assume" depending on the specific context.

Is "it stands to reason" formal or informal?

"It stands to reason" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in written than spoken language.

What's the difference between "it stands to reason" and "it goes without saying"?

"It stands to reason" introduces a conclusion based on logic, while "it goes without saying" implies something is so obvious it doesn't need stating. They are not interchangeable; use "it goes without saying" when something is self-evident, not just logical.