may not be reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not be reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or logic of a statement, action, or decision that might be questioned or deemed illogical. Example: "The proposed budget for the project may not be reasonable given the current economic conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That may not be reasonable.

The New York Times - Sports

"When the conversation begins with 'what if,' we know that what follows may not be reasonable," Loehr said.

The New York Times - Sports

The numerical analysis of thermoacoustic oscillation phenomena by means of time-dependent CFD simulations usually requires a great computational effort, which may not be reasonable in industrial design.

Applied Thermal Engineering

In case of undulatory swimmers where the drag and thrust producing regions are not distinct, the analysis above may not be reasonable.

Nature

"It may not be reasonable to have a 1 after an appendectomy, but we should be certainly able to have a 3 or 4, which we would say is mild discomfort".

The New York Times

I think that 'having it all' either means being able to choose what goes on your imaginary plate, and liking it; or it means having some of everything – which may not be reasonable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Requiring physicians to be more virtuous than the society as a whole may not be fair or reasonable [ 42].

BMC Medical Ethics

"What was a reasonable balancing of competing statutory priorities 20 years ago may not be a reasonable balancing of those priorities today".

The New York Times

… At the time of the shock and trauma of diagnosis, parents may not be entirely reasonable.

The New York Times

"Any company in China has to abide by Chinese rules, even though there are some times when the rules may not be so reasonable," he added.

The New York Times

"But if you could define the distribution of drinks in brick shapes as a separate market, then there may not be a reasonable alternative to the ubiquitous Tetra Pak carton shape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may not be reasonable", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended level of doubt or disagreement. Be mindful of the audience and adjust the phrasing if a stronger or weaker statement is more appropriate.

Common error

While "may not be reasonable" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your tone seem less decisive. Strive to replace it with stronger, more precise language when possible to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. For example, you may try using alternatives such as "is unsustainable" or "is inadvisable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not be reasonable" functions as a modal phrase used to express an opinion or judgment that something might not be logical, fair, or practical. It softens a statement, indicating a possibility rather than a certainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not be reasonable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to express doubt or caution regarding the logic, fairness, or practicality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the tone and consider stronger alternatives for increased clarity and impact in more formal settings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, reinforcing its value as a tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may not be justifiable

Emphasizes the absence of a valid defense or excuse.

may not be logical

Stresses a lack of coherent or rational thought.

might not be justified

Focuses on the lack of acceptable grounds or reasons.

could be impractical

Focuses on the difficulty of implementing something in reality.

could be unwarranted

Emphasizes the lack of necessity or cause for something.

might be inappropriate

Suggests unsuitability or unfitness for a specific situation.

might not be advisable

Suggests that a course of action is not recommended.

might not be sensible

Highlights a lack of good judgment or practicality.

may not be realistic

Indicates a disconnect from actual possibilities or constraints.

could be questionable

Raises doubts about the validity or integrity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "may not be reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "may not be reasonable" to express that something is potentially illogical, unfair, or impractical. For example, "Expecting immediate results from the new policy may not be reasonable."

What are some alternatives to "may not be reasonable"?

Alternatives include "might not be justified", "could be impractical", or "may not be logical", depending on the specific context.

Is "may not be reasonable" a formal or informal expression?

"May not be reasonable" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from stronger or more precise alternatives.

When is it better to use a stronger expression than "may not be reasonable"?

If you want to express a stronger sense of disapproval or certainty, consider using phrases like "is unacceptable", "is unsustainable", or "is inadvisable" to convey a more decisive stance.