may be reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something is a plausible or justifiable option or idea. Example: "Given the circumstances, your proposal may be reasonable and worth considering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be reasonable enough, but Mr. Gore's own weakness as a candidate compounds that problem.

The New York Times

And in these circumstances, the tightly controlled television transmission may be reasonable.

The New York Times

But although the message may be reasonable, the messenger is ignored.

The Economist

The case about valuation may be reasonable, but making one for independence is not.

The New York Times

That may be reasonable in theory but it sounds fanciful in practice.

The Economist

Most Americans may be reasonable or tolerant; many may enjoy the occasional risqué joke.

The Economist

It may be reasonable to insist on randomized controlled trials for treatments, but not for diagnostic tests, Dr. Henschke says.

The New York Times - Health

These may be reasonable expectations, but they are not likely to be met by Beijing, certainly not in their entirety.

The New York Times

Therefore, using nanofluids for cooling PV/T systems may be reasonable.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Alternatively antitachycardia pacing is painless and if deemed safe may be reasonable substitute.

American Heart Journal

Or to put it another way, it may be reasonable for Athenians to party tonight.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "may be reasonable", follow with a clear explanation of the rationale. Providing context helps the audience understand why the suggestion is being made and its potential benefits or drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "may be reasonable", which can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Instead, consider rephrasing to emphasize who finds it reasonable and why. For example, instead of "The decision may be reasonable", try "Experts find this decision reasonable due to..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be reasonable" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility and qualified approval. It indicates that something is potentially justifiable or acceptable under certain conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be reasonable" is a commonly used modal phrase that expresses a cautious or qualified endorsement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It suggests that something is potentially justifiable or acceptable, but not necessarily the only or best option. It's prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, reflecting its suitability for professional discourse. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context and explain the rationale behind the suggestion, while avoiding overuse of passive voice for clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "could be sensible" or "might be justifiable" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be sensible

Replaces "may be" with "could be", softening the level of certainty while retaining the core meaning of being practical.

might be justifiable

Substitutes "reasonable" with "justifiable", focusing on the moral or legal defensibility of an action or decision.

could be appropriate

Replaces "may be reasonable" with "could be appropriate", suggesting that something is suitable or fitting for a particular situation.

might be acceptable

Changes "reasonable" to "acceptable", implying that something meets a minimum standard or is tolerated.

could be logical

Replaces "reasonable" with "logical", shifting the focus to whether something aligns with sound reasoning and principles.

might be advisable

Substitutes "reasonable" with "advisable", highlighting the prudence or wisdom of a course of action.

could be understandable

Replaces "reasonable" with "understandable", focusing on whether something is easy to comprehend or forgive.

might be defensible

Changes "reasonable" to "defensible", implying that something can be supported against criticism or attack.

could be considered fair

Replaces "reasonable" with "considered fair", suggesting impartiality and justice.

might be deemed suitable

Substitutes "reasonable" with "deemed suitable", highlighting the judgment or assessment of appropriateness by an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "may be reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "may be reasonable" to suggest that something is a plausible or justifiable option or idea. For example: "Given the circumstances, your proposal "may be reasonable" and worth considering."

What are some alternatives to "may be reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "could be sensible", "might be justifiable", or "could be appropriate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "may be reasonable"?

Use "may be reasonable" when you want to suggest that something is acceptable or justifiable, but you're not entirely certain or want to leave room for other perspectives. It is suitable in situations where a decision or action has some logical or practical basis but isn't necessarily the only correct option.

What's the difference between "may be reasonable" and "is reasonable"?

"May be reasonable" suggests a possibility or a degree of uncertainty, while "is reasonable" implies a stronger conviction that something is, in fact, justifiable or logical. "May be reasonable" is more tentative.