it was reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was reasonable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone's opinion, decision, or behavior is sensible and appropriate. For example, "The teacher's decision to give the students an extra week to complete their project was reasonable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was reasonable, but wrong.

The Economist

But it was reasonable and caused no problems.

The New York Times

They said it was reasonable to believe Qatada's removal could take place "within a reasonable time".

Independent

Where, it was reasonable to ask, had this successor-generation been hiding?

Independent

(They contend it was reasonable, given all the legal uncertainties of a protracted dispute).

The New York Times

It was reasonable to conclude, he said, that "the Chinese are feeling the heat".

The Economist

Over one no-trump, it was reasonable for North to raise to game.

The New York Times

Others said that it was reasonable to judge all banks according to the same standard.

The New York Times

So it was reasonable that I dreamed of running my own someday.

The New York Times

Thatcher redefined what it was reasonable to say in British politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I made the decision to leave, and law enforcement said it was reasonable.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was reasonable", ensure that the context clearly explains why the subject in question is being deemed reasonable. Providing supporting details strengthens the justification.

Common error

Avoid weakening the impact of "it was reasonable" by pairing it with excessive qualifiers such as "quite", "sort of", or "kind of". State directly why something was reasonable for a stronger, more persuasive effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was reasonable" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, assessing the justification or validity of an action, decision, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something aligns with logic and fairness. Examples across various contexts in Ludwig demonstrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was reasonable" is a commonly used phrase to express that a decision, action, or belief was justified or logical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase across a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity, ensure that the context explicitly states why something is deemed reasonable and avoid excessive qualifiers. By using this phrase accurately, you can effectively convey justification and promote understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was justified

Emphasizes the presence of valid reasons or grounds for the action or decision.

it was sensible

Highlights the wisdom and practicality of the action or decision.

it was logical

Focuses on the clear and rational connection between the action or decision and the situation.

it was understandable

Indicates that the action or decision could be easily comprehended and accepted.

it was appropriate

Stresses the suitability and fittingness of the action or decision in the context.

it was acceptable

Suggests that the action or decision met the required standards or expectations.

it was permissible

Indicates that the action or decision was allowed or authorized.

it was within reason

Conveys that the action or decision stayed within the bounds of what is considered fair and balanced.

it was fair to assume

Suggests a reasonable inference or conclusion drawn from available information.

it could be expected

Implies that the outcome or situation was predictable and in line with expectations.

FAQs

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

Use "it was reasonable" to express that a decision, action, or belief was logical or justified. For example, "Given the circumstances, "it was reasonable" to expect delays".

What are some alternatives to "it was reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "it was justified", "it was sensible", or "it was logical" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it was reasonable" and "it was rational"?

"It was reasonable" implies that a decision or action was fair and sensible, while "it was rational" suggests that it was based on logic and reason. While similar, "reasonable" carries a connotation of fairness, which "rational" does not necessarily imply.

Is "it was reasonable to assume" the same as "it was safe to assume"?

Not exactly. "It was reasonable to assume" suggests that the assumption was logical based on the available information. "It was safe to assume" implies that making the assumption carried minimal risk, regardless of how logical it was.