reason by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason by" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered standard.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the process of reasoning or deriving conclusions based on certain premises or principles. Example: "To solve the problem, we need to reason by examining the underlying assumptions."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reason, by contrast, belongs to the fourth class, as the cause of good mixtures.

SEP

Stands to reason, by common sense.

The New York Times

Assault on Reason, by Al Gore 28.

The Guardian

You don't win converts to reason by applauding unreason.

The New Yorker

But can an objective reason, by itself, motivate selfless generosity?

The New York Times - Magazine

To address such problems, it was necessary to reason by analogy from one situation to another.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever the reason, by the 18th century stripes were no longer held in such low regard.

The New York Times - Books

We said it first, for some reason, by not just years but a couple of centuries.

The New Yorker

The men smile and nod, impressed for some reason by this information.

The New Yorker

THE END OF FAITH: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason, by Sam Harris.

The New York Times

7 8 4 BRIDGET JONES: The Edge of Reason, by Helen Fielding.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reason by", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or evidence used for reasoning. For enhanced clarity, consider replacing "reason by" with stronger verbs such as "deduce", "infer", or "conclude" followed by "from".

Common error

Avoid using "reason by" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise and commonly accepted phrases like "deduce from" or "infer from" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason by" functions as a verb phrase describing a method or process of reaching a conclusion. It indicates that a conclusion is derived or justified through a specific mode of reasoning. Ludwig shows examples in both academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reason by" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe the process of reaching a conclusion through a specific method or evidence. While valid, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not the most common or stylistically preferred choice, with alternatives like "deduce from" or "infer from" often providing greater clarity. Predominantly used in scientific and journalistic contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. Therefore, while grammatically sound, writers should carefully consider whether a more direct alternative might better suit their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deduce from

Focuses on drawing a conclusion logically from given premises.

infer from

Emphasizes drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.

conclude based on

Highlights the act of reaching a conclusion after considering certain information.

determine through reasoning

Emphasizes the process of using logic and thought to arrive at a decision.

as a consequence of

Focuses on the result or outcome directly caused by something.

by virtue of

Highlights that something is true or possible because of a particular quality or feature.

on the grounds of

Suggests a formal justification or basis for a decision or belief.

understand through logic

Focuses on gaining comprehension via logical processes.

as inferred from

Highlights a conclusion derived from indirect evidence.

reasoning based on

Implies a structured thought process forming the foundation for a conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "reason by" in a sentence?

While less common, you can use "reason by" to describe the act of reaching a conclusion through a particular method or evidence. For example: "To address such problems, it was necessary to "reason by analogy" from one situation to another."

What are some alternatives to "reason by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deduce from", "infer from", or "conclude based on".

Is "reason by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "reason by" is grammatically acceptable, but it's not as common or stylistically preferred as other alternatives. Ludwig AI suggests that alternatives may be better suited for many contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "reason by"?

It is appropriate to use "reason by" when emphasizing the method or process of reasoning. However, consider whether alternatives like "deduce from" or "infer from" might provide greater clarity and impact.