loss of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where someone is unable to think clearly or rationally, often due to extreme emotions or mental distress. Example: "In moments of great stress, one might experience a loss of reason, leading to impulsive decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Talk about a loss of dominance in science -- how about a loss of reason?

The New York Times

She approvingly describes a Schumann piece as embodying the loss of reason.

The New York Times

He added: "Even when the blood boils, we must not allow such loss of reason and such loss of control".

The Guardian

"It's an insult to our intelligence and common sense and is exactly that loss of reason and scientific understanding that they promised they wouldn't lose when we left.

The Guardian

Even within marriage, sex is morally troubling because it involves "a loss of reason," but this is compensated by the goods of marriage (Summa Theologiae, unfinished at Aquinas' death, II-II, 153, 2; 154, 2).

SEP

This I can & do endure as becomes a man it was the horrible never-ending oscillation between hope & despair which I could not longer have endured without the total loss of reason".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But Nick Spencer, research director of the Christian thinktank Theos, is the kind of intelligent, thoughtful, sympathetic critic that atheists need, if only to remind them that belief in God does not necessarily require a loss of all reason.

The Guardian - Books

It is a loss of collective reason.

Huffington Post

Gas chambers, atomic bombs, the death of God, the pressure to succeed, the threat of totalitarianism, the loss of faith in reason (May's candidate) — you name it.

The New Yorker

Mortality status is unknown in the database, unless a patient died in the hospital and the loss of follow-up reason is unclear due to death, job changes, or job loss, etc.

BMC Health Services Research

(e) In addition to any other civil remedy available, a person who suffers damage or loss by reason of a violation of subdivision (a) may bring a civil action against the violator for compensatory damages and injunctive relief or other equitable relief pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of subdivision (e) and subdivision (g) of Section 502.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loss of reason" to describe situations where emotions or extreme circumstances override logical thinking. Ensure the context clearly indicates the shift from rationality to irrationality.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of reason" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "cognitive impairment" or "irrationality" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of reason" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms it describes a state or condition where rational thought is diminished or absent. The phrase refers to an impaired ability to think logically and coherently.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loss of reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a state where logical thinking is compromised by emotions or extreme circumstances. Ludwig AI's analysis of diverse sources reveals its usage across news, science, and philosophical domains, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While "loss of reason" effectively conveys impaired judgment, consider alternatives like "erosion of rationality" or "breakdown of logic" for nuanced contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid overuse in technical writing and clearly establish the context of irrationality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erosion of rationality

Focuses on the gradual decline in rational thinking, rather than a sudden absence.

breakdown of logic

Emphasizes the failure of logical processes.

collapse of judgment

Highlights the failure in making sound decisions.

waning of rationality

Suggests a gradual decrease in rational thought over time.

impairment of reasoning

Focuses on the functional aspect of reasoning being weakened.

decline in sense

Refers to a reduction in the ability to perceive and understand things clearly.

eclipse of sanity

Emphasizes a temporary obscuring of mental stability.

derangement of mind

Indicates a disturbance or disorder in mental faculties.

mental aberration

Highlights a deviation from the normal or typical mental state.

cognitive dissonance

Describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "loss of reason" in a sentence?

Employ "loss of reason" to depict moments where rational thought is overshadowed by intense emotions or extreme situations. For example, "The character experienced a "loss of reason" due to the overwhelming grief."

What phrases can I substitute for "loss of reason"?

Consider using alternatives like "erosion of rationality", "breakdown of logic", or "collapse of judgment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a loss of reason" or simply "loss of reason"?

Both forms are acceptable. The inclusion of "a" depends on the specific context and whether you're referring to a specific instance or the general concept of "loss of reason".

How does "loss of reason" differ from "insanity"?

"Loss of reason" generally refers to a temporary or situational lapse in rational thinking, while "insanity" implies a more prolonged and severe mental disorder. "Loss of reason" is a broader term that can encompass various degrees of impaired judgment.