line of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

"line of reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the sequence of arguments or facts that support a particular point of view. For example, "The professor's line of reasoning was easy to follow and made a compelling argument for his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called that line of reasoning "absurd".

The New York Times

But this line of reasoning is misguided.

The New York Times

He finds this line of reasoning suspicious.

The New Yorker

This line of reasoning has three flaws.

Harvard Business Review

This line of reasoning, however, has problems.

Nature

This line of reasoning has its limits.

The New York Times

Hi, interesting line of reasoning you have.

University of California, Berkeley

This line of reasoning is flawed.

Cornell University

At least that's one line of reasoning against gun control.

The Washington Post

"I think that's an insane line of reasoning".

The New York Times

But this line of reasoning is fraught with peril.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an argument, use "line of reasoning" to refer specifically to the sequence of steps taken, allowing for a targeted and precise response.

Common error

Avoid using "line of reasoning" when referring to unsubstantiated beliefs or feelings. This phrase implies a structured, logical argument, not simply a personal viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of reasoning" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a connected series of logical arguments or ideas used to support a particular viewpoint or conclusion. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where arguments are being presented or analyzed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of reasoning" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a structured sequence of arguments or thoughts leading to a conclusion. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and academia, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. It is most frequently used in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the presented ideas are logically connected and that the reasoning is clear and easy to follow. A common mistake is confusing it with personal opinions, which lack the structured argument implied by the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

train of thought

Focuses on the sequential nature of thinking, emphasizing the flow of ideas.

logical argument

Highlights the structured and rational presentation of a case.

mode of thinking

Emphasizes a particular style or approach to processing information.

form of argumentation

Indicates a specific method or technique used in making an argument.

intellectual path

Suggests a journey through a series of connected ideas or concepts.

method of deduction

Highlights a specific process of drawing conclusions from general principles.

conceptual framework

Refers to the underlying structure of ideas and assumptions.

intellectual approach

Emphasizes a particular style or strategy in dealing with intellectual matters.

rational explanation

Focuses on providing a reasoned account or justification.

thought process

Highlights the overall mental activity involved in reasoning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "line of reasoning" in a sentence?

Use "line of reasoning" to refer to a structured series of arguments or thoughts that lead to a specific conclusion. For example, "His "logical argument" was based on a flawed "conceptual framework".".

What are some alternatives to "line of reasoning"?

You can use alternatives such as "train of thought", ""logical argument"", or "intellectual path" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "line of reasoning"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the logical steps or arguments used to reach a conclusion, especially in academic, professional, or analytical contexts. It's suitable when explaining why someone believes something or how they arrived at a specific decision.

What's the difference between "line of reasoning" and "thought process"?

"Line of reasoning" refers specifically to the logical sequence of steps in an argument, while "thought process" encompasses all mental activities, including reasoning, memory, and emotions. "Line of reasoning" focuses on the structure of an argument, while "thought process" is a broader term.