reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reasonable" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is fair or acceptable. For example: "I think a ten-day return policy is a reasonably generous offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no entitlement to a refund where GNM is forced to cancel part or all of a Guardian Masterclass due to reasons beyond our reasonable control.

The Guardian

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

In September, I emailed: Since you've chosen not to publish based on the information we have and we're not actively pursuing any more information, then I think it's reasonable to conclude that The Star is passing on this story.

The Guardian - Opinion

For goodness' sake, we can't even tell the difference between disappointed loathing and apathy - when any reasonable person knows there is no difference - they're one and the same thing and should both be ignored.

The Guardian

This has fallen slightly since then, but their report suggests that with NHS England projections of flat cash for the NHS, and reasonable assumptions around forecast GDP growth, we could see our spend on healthcare falling back to around 6% of GDP by 2021, equivalent of 2003's spending levels.

The Guardian

The letter to protesters, which was sent on Friday, said the university's response has so far been "reasonable and proportionate" and that it still hoped for a peaceful resolution and discussions.

The Guardian

O'Donnell said it was clear there would be reasonable debate about political legitimacy if the Tories were the largest party but did not form a government, partly due to the presence of a large Scottish Nationalist contingent, but he pointed out voters had in two referendums rejected both a shift from first past the post and Scotland leaving the union.

The Guardian

The law students help draft letters to landlords and tell students what costs are reasonable – and unreasonable.

The Guardian

Even that most reasonable of loyalist voices, David Ervine, had fond memories of being taught by the well-respected educationalist from Downpatrick.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is recognition that change is best accompanied by stability, and democracy only works if debate is conducted in a reasonable atmosphere where words can be bold, even harsh, but not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet university managers say it is hard to persuade City investors to back your project on reasonable terms if you aren't an elite institution at the top of the league tables.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable", ensure the context clearly defines what standards or expectations the subject is being measured against. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable" without providing context. For example, instead of saying "the price is reasonable", specify what makes it so, such as "the price is reasonable given the high quality of materials".

Linguistic Context

The word "reasonable" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe something as being fair, sensible, or within acceptable limits. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in qualifying nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "reasonable" functions as an adjective denoting fairness, sensibility, or appropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage across diverse contexts, establishing it as grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science", it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communicative purposes. When using "reasonable", ensure specificity to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. For alternative expressions, consider "justified", "sensible", or "fair", contingent on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fair

Implies impartiality and justice.

sensible

Suggests possessing or displaying good judgment.

logical

Emphasizes a clear and rational connection of ideas.

justified

Indicates something is defended as right or warranted.

within reason

Indicates something is kept within sensible limits.

acceptable

Indicates something is satisfactory or allowable.

sound

Highlights the reliability and validity of something.

appropriate

Suggests suitability for a particular purpose or occasion.

well-founded

Suggests a solid basis in evidence or reasoning.

moderate

Emphasizes the avoidance of extremes.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable" to describe something that is fair, sensible, or justifiable. For instance, "It's "reasonable to expect" a response within a week" or "The terms of the agreement are "reasonable and fair"".

What are some alternatives to the word "reasonable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sensible", "fair", "justified", or "logical". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "reasonable" in formal writing?

"Reasonable" is suitable in formal writing when you need to express that something is within acceptable limits or based on sound judgment. It is often used in legal, business, and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "reasonable" and "rational"?

While both terms relate to sound judgment, "reasonable" often implies fairness and appropriateness in a given situation, while "rational" focuses more on logical consistency and reasoning. A decision can be rational but not necessarily "reasonable" if it disregards ethical considerations.