more than reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize reasonable efforts or actions that have gone beyond what was expected. For example, "She completed the task in far less time than expected—more than reasonable for the size of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"More than reasonable".

The Guardian

But his demands seem more than reasonable.

The New York Times

That request by Teixeira is more than reasonable.

The Guardian - Sport

On balance, no more than reasonable suspicion was required to search this probationer’s house.

Cornell University

This proposal was more than reasonable, and the state Senate approved such a deal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Considering the setting, the décor and some ambitious dishes, the prices are more than reasonable.

The New York Times

Describing it as a kedgeree seems more than reasonable given that's exactly what it tastes like.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bright Food's supporters counter that, actually, the price is more than reasonable.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Democrats offered a more-than-reasonable alternative.

The New York Times

If he was rationed to a more-than-reasonable three cookies, he would beg his mother for a fourth and vomit if he was shot down.

The New York Times - Books

The more-than-reasonable underlying assumption for the next 50 to 100 years is that technology progress will continue, even accelerate as it has over the past century.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than reasonable" to convey that something not only meets expectations but exceeds them, indicating a high degree of fairness or sensibility. For example, 'The company's offer was more than reasonable, considering the circumstances.'

Common error

Avoid using "more than reasonable" excessively in overly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, stronger, more precise language may be more appropriate for specialized audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than reasonable" functions as an evaluative adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to express that something not only meets expectations but surpasses them in terms of fairness, sensibility, or justification. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates the phrase is correct and emphasizes actions exceeding expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than reasonable" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something exceeds expectations in terms of fairness, sensibility, or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use in emphasizing actions that surpass what is expected. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. While frequently used, writers should consider stronger, more precise alternatives in highly formal or academic contexts. The related phrases such as "eminently sensible" and "perfectly acceptable" offer nuanced substitutes to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly legitimate

Highlights the full accordance with the law or accepted rules.

perfectly acceptable

Emphasizes the complete agreement with standards or expectations.

thoroughly fair

Underscores the impartiality and justness of a decision or action.

entirely justifiable

Highlights the defensibility or permissibility of something.

wholly appropriate

Stresses the suitability and rightness of something in a given situation.

amply warranted

Indicates that there is more than enough justification for something.

eminently sensible

Focuses on the high degree of good sense, more formal.

highly logical

Highlights the strong, rational basis for something.

fully vindicated

Suggests a complete exoneration or justification after scrutiny.

completely sound

Emphasizes the robustness and reliability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "more than reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "more than reasonable" to describe something that exceeds expectations of fairness or sensibility. For example, 'The proposed solution was "more than reasonable" given the constraints'.

What are some alternatives to "more than reasonable"?

Alternatives include "perfectly acceptable", "eminently sensible", or "entirely justifiable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "more than reasonable" the same as "very reasonable"?

While similar, "more than reasonable" suggests a higher degree of acceptability or fairness than "very reasonable". It implies that something goes beyond what is merely adequate.

When is it appropriate to use "more than reasonable" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "more than reasonable" when you want to emphasize that something is not just acceptable, but exceptionally fair, sensible, or justifiable. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from informal to professional.