reasonable people

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable people" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: "Reasonable people will agree that increasing taxes is necessary to improve infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Reasonable people can disagree.

The Economist

Reasonable people might disagree.

The New Yorker

But some reasonable people might.

The New York Times - Magazine

But reasonable people can differ.

The New York Times

"Reasonable people can differ.

The New York Times

"Most managers are pretty reasonable people.

Independent

Reasonable people — and others — can disagree.

The New York Times

"And reasonable people can have dialogues.

The New York Times

More reasonable people would have stayed married.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Well, reasonable people can disagree on whether that makes sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reasonable people can disagree about the Microsoft case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of assuming that people are reasonable, make sure that the context implies that people follow the average conduct of typical individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable people" to imply that everyone should agree with your viewpoint. Acknowledge that differing opinions can exist even among those considered reasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable people" functions as a noun phrase, with "reasonable" modifying the noun "people". It describes individuals who are expected to exhibit sound judgment, fairness, and logical thinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable people" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that refers to individuals expected to possess sound judgment and fairness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business writing, and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid assuming universal agreement. Alternatives like "sensible individuals" or "rational individuals" offer slight shifts in emphasis, but the core meaning remains consistent: individuals who are fair-minded, logical, and capable of sound judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensible individuals

Emphasizes the practicality and wisdom of the individuals.

rational individuals

Focuses on the logical and analytical capabilities of the people.

prudent individuals

Highlights the cautious and thoughtful nature of the people.

level-headed people

Stresses the calmness and composure of the people.

judicious individuals

Underscores the ability to make sound judgments.

average person

Highlights what is the norm for the specific group of people.

typical person

Focuses on how normal is the specific group of people.

ordinary person

Emphasizes the commonality and lack of exceptional traits.

common person

Highlights the shared characteristics within a community.

normal people

Stresses the conformity to expected behaviors or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable people" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable people" to refer to individuals who are expected to be fair-minded and logical, such as: "Reasonable people can disagree on the best course of action".

What phrases are similar to "reasonable people"?

Similar phrases include "sensible individuals", "rational individuals", or "prudent individuals", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of sound judgment.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "reasonable people"?

While generally acceptable, using "reasonable people" can be presumptuous if it implies that those who disagree are unreasonable. It's important to acknowledge differing perspectives.

What is the difference between "reasonable people" and "normal people"?

"Reasonable people" suggests individuals who are fair, logical, and have sound judgment, while "normal people" refers to those conforming to typical behaviors or expectations.