it was rational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was rational" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision, thought, or action that is based on reason or logic. Example: "After considering all the options, I concluded that it was rational to choose the more cost-effective solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

These intuitions consist of judgments of the rationality of certain explicit cases, (e.g., "it was rational to accept Newtonian mechanics and to reject Aristotelian mechanics by, say, 1800", and "it was irrational after 1830 to accept the biblical chronology as a literal account of earth history").

SEP

Since the adsorptive phenomenon of AC on the HMDE was utilized as a suitable collection step prior to its electrochemical determination, it was rational to characterize various variables and experimental conditions that affecting the engaged adsorption process.

Chemistry Central Journal

She struggled past the moment it was rational to struggle.

The New York Times - Books

It was rational, of course, but also self-serving and defensive.

Harvard Business Review

The group agreed that doctors should respect a woman's decision, adding that it was rational to decide to have mammograms and that it was rational to decide not to.

The New York Times

To Le Corbusier, the house was famously "a machine for living", it was rational, bright and sanitised.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It's rational.

The New York Times - Tech

It is rational.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it's rational.

The New York Times

It is done; therefore it is rational.

The New York Times

It's rational to this limited extent.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it was rational" to convey a sense of well-reasoned decision-making, particularly in formal or professional settings where logical justification is valued.

Common error

Avoid stating "it was rational" without providing any supporting evidence or explanation. This can weaken the argument and make the statement seem arbitrary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was rational" primarily functions as a statement expressing that a particular action, decision, or belief was based on reason and sound judgment. Ludwig AI shows its usage in various contexts, from scientific reasoning to everyday decision-making.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was rational" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to justify past actions or decisions based on reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is showcased across a spectrum of contexts, including news, science, and academia. It's essential, however, to avoid stating that "it was rational" without adequate supporting evidence, to maintain clarity. When other ways to express the same concept are needed, consider options such as ""it was reasonable"" or ""it was logical"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was reasonable

Emphasizes the acceptability and appropriateness of the decision or action.

it was logical

Highlights the clear and consistent connection between the premises and the conclusion.

it was sensible

Suggests that the decision or action was practical and showed good judgment.

it was wise

Implies that the decision or action was insightful and showed foresight.

it was prudent

Indicates that the decision or action was cautious and well-considered.

it was justifiable

Suggests that there were valid reasons or grounds for the decision or action.

it was understandable

Highlights the ease with which the decision or action can be comprehended or sympathized with.

it was sound

Emphasizes the solidity and reliability of the decision or action.

it was the right thing to do

Focuses on the moral or ethical correctness of the decision or action.

it was the only option

Suggests that there were no other viable alternatives available.

FAQs

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

Use "it was rational" to describe a decision, belief, or action that is based on reason or logic. For example: "After considering all the evidence, "it was rational" to conclude that the defendant was guilty."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was rational"?

You can use alternatives like "it was reasonable", "it was logical", or "it was sensible" to express similar ideas of sound judgment.

Is it better to say "it was rational" or "it is rational"?

The choice between "it was rational" and "it is rational" depends on the timing. "It was rational" refers to a past decision or conclusion, while "it is rational" refers to a present or ongoing situation. For instance, "It was rational to sell the stock yesterday", or "It is rational to invest in renewable energy today".

What's the difference between "it was rational" and "it was logical"?

While both phrases suggest sound reasoning, ""it was rational"" often implies a more considered and justified decision, whereas ""it was logical"" emphasizes a clear and consistent connection between ideas or premises.