reasonable answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable answer" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an answer that makes sense and is consistent with the current situation. For example: "Can you tell me the capital of Costa Rica? Puntarenas is not a reasonable answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In other cases where the biological relationship in the input sequences was subtle and no method could find a reasonable answer, RBT-GA performed reasonably, like 1ajsA in Reference #3.

BMC Genomics

In this sense, the question could have more than one reasonable answer, because novice biology students using higher-order cognition might reason that answers 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 are correct.

CBE Life Sciences Education

A reasonable answer might be "everything".

The New York Times

I hope they have a reasonable answer".

The New York Times

I will get a reasonable answer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's a perfectly reasonable question without a perfectly reasonable answer.

The New Yorker

The resolution, he said, "provides a reasonable answer".

The New York Times

Are we edgy?" The only reasonable answer is no.

The Guardian - Travel

But it also may have been the only reasonable answer.

The New Yorker

Daniels: You're not giving me a reasonable answer here.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The simple, reasonable answer: Horse-trading.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating answers, consider not only correctness but also the context and the reasoning behind the "reasonable answer". Different situations may call for different levels of detail or approaches.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "reasonable answer" is always the definitively correct one. A reasonable answer might be one that is well-reasoned and logical, even if it doesn't align with a standard or expected response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable answer" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reasonable' modifies 'answer'. It describes a quality of the answer, indicating it's logical, justifiable, or sensible. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to evaluate responses or explanations in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable answer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a response that is logical, justifiable, or makes sense within a given context. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used in various fields like news, science, and academia. While not necessarily the definitively correct answer, a "reasonable answer" demonstrates sound reasoning and understanding. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "logical answer" or "plausible explanation" to add nuance. Remember that confusing a "reasonable answer" with a 'correct answer' can lead to misunderstandings, as reasonableness considers context and available information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical answer

Focuses on the internal consistency and validity of the response.

sensible response

Emphasizes the practicality and good judgment behind the answer.

plausible explanation

Highlights the believability and potential truthfulness of the answer.

acceptable solution

Shifts the focus to a resolution that is considered satisfactory.

valid reply

Suggests that the answer is correct and justified.

justifiable response

Indicates that the answer is defensible and has a good reason.

sound argument

Highlights that the answer is supported by solid evidence and reasoning.

defensible position

Suggests that the answer can be maintained against criticism.

tenable claim

Emphasizes that the answer is capable of being maintained or defended.

supportable assertion

Focuses on providing evidence to strengthen the answer.

FAQs

How to use "reasonable answer" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable answer" to describe a reply that is logical, justifiable, or makes sense in a given context. For example, "Given the limited information, her explanation was a "reasonable answer"."

What can I say instead of "reasonable answer"?

You can use alternatives like "logical answer", "sensible response", or "plausible explanation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "reasonable answer" and "correct answer"?

A "correct answer" is factually accurate, while a "reasonable answer" may be logical and well-reasoned, even if not entirely accurate or complete. A reasonable answer considers context and available information.

Is "reasonable answer" formal or informal language?

"Reasonable answer" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the communication.