reasonable question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that a question posed is logical or justifiable in a given context. Example: "I appreciate your inquiry; that is indeed a reasonable question to ask during our discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A reasonable question, this.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a reasonable question.

The New York Times

It was a reasonable question.

The New York Times

It's a perfectly reasonable question.

The New York Times

JAMES SUROWIECKI: It's a reasonable question.

The New Yorker

"It's a reasonable question," Comey said.

The New Yorker

It's a reasonable question, don't you think?

The Guardian - Sport

It's a reasonable question, so consider your odds.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

"WHERE'S the beef?" is always a reasonable question to ask.

The Economist

It's a reasonable question, and here's how I answer it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable question" to acknowledge the validity of a query, fostering open and constructive dialogue. It's useful in professional settings, academic discussions, or when addressing concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable question" multiple times in a short span. Vary your responses with alternatives like "valid point" or "understandable concern" to maintain a natural flow in your writing or conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable question" functions as an acknowledgment of a valid inquiry. It confirms the question's logical basis and appropriateness within a specific context. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is widely used across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable question" is a common and versatile phrase used to acknowledge the validity and logic of an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It functions to validate the questioner's perspective and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this expression, avoid overuse and consider context to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives like "valid inquiry" or "fair question to ask" can provide variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', suggesting a more formal or official context.

fair question to ask

Adds 'to ask' emphasizing the act of questioning and implying impartiality.

legitimate concern

Shifts the focus from a question to an underlying concern that warrants attention.

sensible query

Replaces 'question' with 'query', and 'reasonable' with 'sensible' indicating practicality and good judgement.

understandable question

Emphasizes the easiness to understand the question.

logical question

Replaces 'reasonable' with 'logical' emphasizing a clear line of reasoning.

pertinent question

Highlights the relevance and importance of the question to the matter at hand.

justifiable question

Emphasizes that the question can be defended as correct or right.

relevant inquiry

Highlights how related is the question.

appropriate question

Stresses the suitability of the question to the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable question" to acknowledge that a question is logical or justifiable, such as: "That's a "reasonable question", and I'm happy to address it." or "It's a "reasonable question" to ask, given the circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "reasonable question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "valid question", "fair question", "legitimate question", or "sensible question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to call a question "reasonable"?

While "reasonable question" is generally appropriate, consider the context. If a question seems intentionally provocative or disingenuous, a more neutral response might be better. However, for genuine inquiries, it's a fine choice.

What's the difference between a "reasonable question" and a "relevant question"?

A "reasonable question" implies the question is logical and sensible. A "relevant question", on the other hand, means that the question is pertinent and directly related to the topic at hand. While they can overlap, reasonability focuses on the question's inherent logic, while relevance focuses on its connection to the subject.