must be reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating that something should be fair, sensible, or logical in a given context. Example: "The terms of the agreement must be reasonable to ensure both parties are satisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Regulations

Negotiations

Ethics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To see this, we explore two features of Scanlon's use of reasons: rejection must be reasonable, and reasons are not limited to well-being.

SEP

To say that the search must be reasonable is to require some criterion of reason.

Cornell University

The aim must be reasonable consensus.

The Economist

The fine must be reasonable.

The New York Times

Number two: Gambling must be reasonable.

The New York Times

Directors' decisions must be reasonable, not perfect.

Harvard University

Late charges and other penalties must be "reasonable and proportional".

The New York Times

All searches and seizures under Fourth Amendment must be reasonable.

Cornell University

First, all searches and seizures must be reasonable.

Cornell University

The pilot's decision must be reasonable and based on observations, not stereotypes.

The Guardian

There must be reasonable prospects of not simply producing more evil than one hopes to repair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "must be reasonable" with specific metrics or examples to illustrate the expected standard, thereby avoiding ambiguity and promoting consistent application.

Common error

Avoid using "must be reasonable" without providing any context. Without clearly defined parameters, 'reasonable' becomes a subjective term, leading to potential conflicts and disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be reasonable" functions as a modal expression indicating an obligation or necessity for something to be sensible, fair, or logical. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used in legal, ethical, and practical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

37%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be reasonable" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to impose a standard of fairness, logic, or sensibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, predominantly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, clearly define 'reasonable' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "should be sensible" or "needs to be justified" offer nuanced substitutes. Remember, the core purpose is to ensure justifiable and equitable outcomes by setting clear expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be sensible

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation while retaining the emphasis on good judgment.

needs to be justified

Shifts the focus to providing a valid reason or explanation for something.

ought to be fair

Emphasizes the ethical aspect of being reasonable, focusing on impartiality.

has to be logical

Highlights the importance of coherence and sound reasoning.

should be appropriate

Focuses on suitability and relevance to the specific situation.

needs to be practical

Emphasizes the feasibility and workability of something.

should be acceptable

Highlights the criteria of being satisfactory or agreeable to those involved.

ought to be equitable

Focuses specifically on fairness and impartiality in distribution or treatment.

needs to be defensible

Emphasizes the ability to justify or support something against criticism.

should be justifiable

Highlights the ability to be shown or proved to be right or reasonable.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "must be reasonable"?

When something "must be reasonable", it means it should be fair, logical, and sensible, considering the circumstances. It implies an objective standard of appropriateness.

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

You can use it to express a requirement for fairness or logic, such as, "The late fees "must be reasonable" and proportional to the actual cost."

What are some alternatives to "must be reasonable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "should be sensible", "needs to be justified", or "ought to be fair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In legal contexts, what makes something "must be reasonable"?

In law, "must be reasonable" often refers to actions or decisions that align with what a typical, prudent person would do under similar circumstances. It's judged based on prevailing norms and evidence.