reasonable thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action, decision, or idea that is sensible or logical in a given context. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seems like the most reasonable thing to do is to postpone the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That would be the reasonable thing to do, even though reason is in short supply in today's Washington.

The New York Times

It's a reasonable thing.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's a reasonable thing," Dr. Muss said.

The New York Times

And I don't think that's a reasonable thing to do".

Independent

It seems a reasonable thing to worry about.

The New Yorker

I think that's a perfectly reasonable thing to do".

The New Yorker

"And it seems a perfectly reasonable thing to do".

The New York Times

I think that's quite a reasonable thing to say".

The Guardian - Film

It seemed like a reasonable thing to do.

The New York Times - Health

I think it's a perfectly reasonable thing for them to advocate.

Independent

Given what's at stake, that's a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "sensible action" or "logical course of action" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is a "reasonable thing" without providing context or reasoning. Readers need to understand why the action or idea is considered reasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "thing". It describes an action, decision, or idea that is considered sensible, logical, or justifiable, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reasonable thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an action, decision, or idea that is logical and sensible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. To effectively use this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to justify why the action or idea is considered "reasonable". While "reasonable thing" is versatile, consider using synonyms like "sensible action" or "logical course of action" to enhance your writing and avoid redundancy. Steer clear of stating something is "reasonable" without backing it up with justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sensible action

Focuses on the practicality and good judgment of the action.

Logical course of action

Highlights the rational and coherent nature of the action.

Justifiable measure

Emphasizes the defensibility and rightness of the measure.

Prudent step

Suggests carefulness and foresight in the action taken.

Appropriate response

Indicates that the reaction is suitable for the situation.

Rational decision

Highlights the use of reason and sound judgment in the decision.

Sound approach

Emphasizes the reliability and effectiveness of the method.

Acceptable solution

Indicates that the solution is satisfactory and meets the requirements.

Warranted action

Stresses that the action is justified and necessary.

Defensible position

Highlights the ability to argue for and support the viewpoint.

FAQs

What does "reasonable thing" mean?

The phrase "reasonable thing" refers to an action, decision, or idea that is logical, sensible, and justifiable in a given context. It implies that the action is based on sound judgment and is appropriate for the situation.

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

You can use "reasonable thing" to describe an action you believe is sensible: "Given the circumstances, it seems like the most "reasonable thing" to do is to postpone the meeting." Or, you can use it to describe someone else's actions: "He did the "reasonable thing" and called for help."

Which is correct, "reasonable thing to do" or "reasoned thing to do"?

"Reasonable thing to do" is more common and generally preferred to describe a sensible action. "Reasoned thing to do" is less frequent and implies that the action was based on careful thought and analysis. While grammatically correct, it's not as widely used as "reasonable thing to do".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sensible action", "logical course of action", or "appropriate response" instead of "reasonable thing".