it would be unreasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be unreasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where a particular expectation or demand is not fair or logical. Example: "Given the circumstances, it would be unreasonable to expect the project to be completed in just one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think it would be unreasonable.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be unreasonable to expect Moyes to pull the same confidence trick.

Independent

It would be unreasonable to expect definitive treatment of either of these large themes.

The Guardian - Arts

It would be unreasonable to expect $8.5bn of value to appear that rapidly.

The Guardian - Tech

"In these exceptional circumstances it would be unreasonable to give any forecasts".

The New York Times

It would be unreasonable to expect such wounds to ever heal.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would be unreasonable to keep the Gibson inquiry panel waiting for a further unknown period.

The Guardian

It would be unreasonable on that basis to expect businesses to promise fixed hours to its workforce.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think it would be unreasonable to restrict who is in the room, but that's a decision for a great number of players to make," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of these settlers will have to go, but it would be unreasonable to shove everyone out of homes they have lived in for decades.

The Economist

But Democrats said it would be unreasonable to charge poor patients fees and unjust to treat them differently in malpractice cases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be unreasonable" to politely but firmly push back against demands or expectations that are unrealistic or unfair. Frame it as a matter of logic and fairness rather than personal preference.

Common error

While "it would be unreasonable" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unfair", "illogical", or "unjustified" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be unreasonable" functions as a comment clause or an introductory phrase to express a judgment about the fairness or logic of an expectation or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be unreasonable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that an expectation, demand, or action is not fair or logical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "unfair", "illogical", or "unjustified" to maintain variety and clarity in writing. With its widespread usage and clear communicative purpose, "it would be unreasonable" is a valuable tool for expressing disagreement and advocating for fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be unwarranted

This alternative emphasizes the lack of justification or necessity for something.

it would be unjustified

This suggests that there is no valid reason or excuse for a particular action or expectation.

it would be inappropriate

This implies that something would not be suitable or fitting in a given situation.

it would be unfair

This directly addresses the lack of justice or equity in an expectation or action.

it would be illogical

This focuses on the lack of logical reasoning behind an expectation or action.

it would be irrational

This suggests that an action or expectation is not based on reason or sound judgment.

it would be excessive

This indicates that something goes beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

it would be undue

This emphasizes that something is more than what is considered reasonable or appropriate.

it would be senseless

This highlights the lack of purpose or meaning in a particular action or expectation.

it would be preposterous

This suggests that something is absurd or ridiculous in a given context.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be unreasonable" in a sentence?

The phrase "it would be unreasonable" is used to express that a particular expectation, demand, or action is not fair or logical. For example, "Given the short timeframe, "it would be unreasonable" to expect a flawless result".

What are some alternatives to saying "it would be unreasonable"?

You can use alternatives such as "it would be unfair", "it would be illogical", or "it would be unjustified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is unreasonable" or "it would be unreasonable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it would be unreasonable" often carries a slightly softer tone, implying a hypothetical or conditional situation. "It is unreasonable" is more direct and assertive.

What's the difference between "it would be unreasonable" and "it would be impractical"?

"It would be unreasonable" suggests something is unfair or lacks justification, while "it would be impractical" means something is not feasible or realistic given the circumstances. Unreasonable focuses on fairness, impractical on feasibility.