reason with

USAGE SUMMARY

"reason with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to use persuasive arguments or logical thinking to convince someone of something. Example sentence: I am trying to reason with my friend to convince her to go to the movies with me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Someone you can reason with.

The New York Times

It is futile to reason with them.

The New York Times

My boyfriend tried to reason with me.

The New York Times

"You can't reason with it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You can't reason with that".

The New York Times

Who could reason with them?

The New Yorker

Stein tries to reason with her.

Princeton University

He knows you don't reason with terrorists.

The Washington Post

But I cannot reason with dogma.

The Guardian - Opinion

We tried to reason with the boy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Assisted by Jai Reason with a cross.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reason with" when you aim to persuade someone through logical arguments or calm discussion, rather than resorting to force or emotional appeals.

Common error

Don't assume that trying to "reason with" someone guarantees they will change their mind. The phrase only describes the attempt to persuade, not the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to persuade someone through logic or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reason with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes the act of attempting to persuade someone through logical arguments and calm discussion. While effective in many scenarios, it doesn't guarantee a successful outcome. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, most notably in news and media, as well as in academic settings, indicating its versatility. Alternatives like "try to persuade" or "attempt to convince" can be used, but "reason with" offers a specific nuance emphasizing the use of rational discourse. Remember that using "reason with" doesn't imply success, but simply the act of trying to persuade. The high frequency of examples and source quality underscores its established place in English language usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to persuade

Focuses on convincing someone through argument, slightly more formal.

attempt to convince

Emphasizes the effort to change someone's belief, more formal and deliberate.

engage in dialogue

Highlights the interactive nature of the communication, less focused on changing minds.

try to talk sense into

Suggests the other person is being unreasonable, more informal.

negotiate with

Implies a bargaining process to reach a mutual agreement.

use logic to convince

Emphasizes the use of logical arguments.

appeal to

Involves making a formal or serious request, often based on emotions or values.

try to influence

General term for affecting someone's thoughts or actions.

bring someone around

Focuses on gradually changing someone's opinion.

have a discussion with

Focuses on the act of conversing, not necessarily with the intent to change minds.

FAQs

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

You can use "reason with" to describe the act of attempting to persuade someone through logical argument, as in "I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn't listen".

What are some alternatives to "reason with"?

Alternatives include "try to persuade", "attempt to convince", or "engage in dialogue", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "reason with"?

It's appropriate to use "reason with" when you believe the other person is open to logical arguments and calm discussion, rather than being entrenched in their position.

Is "reason with" always the best approach in a conflict?

No, while "reason with" is often a good starting point, it may not be effective in situations involving strong emotions, deeply held beliefs, or power imbalances. In such cases, other approaches like "negotiate with" or seeking mediation may be more appropriate.