powers of reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

"powers of reasoning" is a correctly formed phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's mental capacity for making logical decisions and judgments. For example, "I am impressed by your powers of reasoning; you have done an admirable job of analyzing the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

As the later Rawls would put it, these theorists recognized, however dimly, the fact of reasonable pluralism that citizens who freely exercise their powers of reasoning will tend to pervasively and persistently disagree about their fundamental values and principles (Rawls 2005, xvii).

SEP

"How can I know God if all my powers of reasoning tell me he cannot exist?" "God is apprehended not by reason but by life".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The book challenges readers' powers of reasoning in other ways.

The New York Times - Books

Low powers of reasoning, however, are compatible, as we see with mankind, with strong affections, acute perception, and a taste for the beautiful.

The New Yorker

Thinking ahead to any such situation – as when contemplating the Trolley Problem – you're obliged to rely on your intellect and powers of reasoning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here, expat-infested Dubai is an "abracadabrapolis" observed by a character the publishers describe as "a brilliantly entertaining antihero" who is "imprisoned by his endless powers of reasoning": we might hope for some Beckett in the Gulf.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's only upon waking that perception "recovers the power of reasoning".

The New York Times - Books

Islam, too, holds that a prepubescent child is not "fully in control of his senses and doesn&apos t have the power of reasoning to really make an informed judgment," said Dr. Jamal Badawi, a Muslim scholar and chairman of the Islamic Information Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The New York Times

Anyone who has seen an elephant search about for a stick, pick it up and proceed slowly and solemnly to scratch his side with it will be convinced that the possession of this "hand" has re-acted on the elephant's brain, and produced a power of reasoning that appears almost uncanny.

Cornell University

In other words, the integration of such techniques to the EFL reading classes tended to foster the learners' power of reasoning.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Therefore, the results showed that the students in the control and experimental groups had a statistically significant difference regarding their power of reasoning as determined by question.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "powers of reasoning" to describe a character's intellectual strengths in literature or creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "powers of reasoning" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "thinking skills" or "reasoning ability" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powers of reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the mental capabilities related to logical thought and inference. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "powers of reasoning" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to refer to someone's capacity for logical thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most appropriately used in formal contexts like academic writing, scientific discourse, and professional communication, though it also appears in news and media. When using this phrase, it is important to do so in situations where a specific skill or expertise is being mentioned. While related phrases like "reasoning abilities" or "cognitive faculties" may sometimes be substituted, "powers of reasoning" specifically emphasizes the inherent strength and capability of the reasoning process. Be mindful of the formality of your context to ensure the phrase is fitting and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasoning abilities

Focuses specifically on the ability to reason, omitting the emphasis on inherent strength or capacity.

cognitive faculties

Refers to the general mental capabilities, including reasoning, memory, and perception, offering a broader scope.

intellectual capacity

Highlights the capacity for understanding and learning, shifting the focus from the process of reasoning to the potential for it.

logical thinking skills

Emphasizes the practical application of logical thought processes, rather than inherent mental abilities.

critical thinking skills

Stresses the evaluative and analytical aspects of thinking, adding a layer of judgment and assessment.

mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of thought, focusing on the efficiency of mental processes.

rational faculties

Underscores the aspect of rationality, highlighting the ability to think in accordance with reason and logic.

thinking prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and expertise in thinking, adding a dimension of mastery.

deductive abilities

Refers specifically to the ability to draw logical conclusions from given information, narrowing the scope to a particular type of reasoning.

analytical skills

Concentrates on the ability to dissect complex information into smaller parts for examination, shifting the focus to detailed analysis.

FAQs

How can I improve my "powers of reasoning"?

Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as puzzles, debates, and strategic games. Also, studying logic and critical thinking can help.

What are some synonyms for "powers of reasoning"?

Alternatives include "reasoning abilities", "cognitive faculties", or "intellectual capacity" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "powers of reasoning"?

It's suitable in academic, professional, and formal settings where discussing cognitive abilities and analytical skills is relevant. It may sound out of place in more casual contexts.

Is there a difference between "powers of reasoning" and "power of reasoning"?

"Powers of reasoning" typically refers to a general capacity or set of abilities, while "power of reasoning" might refer to a specific instance or demonstration of reasoning ability. The plural form is more common.