reasoning abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasoning abilities" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's general intellectual capacity for making rational decisions and deductions. For example, "John demonstrated his superior reasoning abilities when he solved the complicated math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, the diagnosis -- based on declining memory and reasoning abilities -- requires severe symptoms.

The New York Times

In one study, 400 psychology students took intelligence tests that measured abstract reasoning abilities and verbal intelligence.

Independent

According to most studies*, people's numerical and reasoning abilities are at their best in their 20s and early 30s.

The Economist

"What we want to encourage in these students is active intellectual experience, in which they develop the wide range of complex reasoning abilities required of the good lawyers".

The New York Times - Tech

Has at least two symptoms of cognitive or behavioral impairment; memory impairment not necessary; could include problems with language, object or face recognition, reasoning abilities, personality changes.

The New York Times - Health

Apparently the programme aims to prove that the memory and reasoning abilities of a rescue dog could be directed towards mastering the controls of a light aircraft.

Independent

AHELO, the proposed tertiary system, would start with economics and engineering, testing students both on their subjects and on their reasoning abilities.

The Economist

He has an IQ somewhere between 50 and 60 and the reasoning abilities of a seven-year-old, and spends much of his time drawing with crayons.

The Economist

The impressive increase among Hispanics and Asian students coincided with a decision by university officials to de-emphasize applicants' scores on the verbal and math SAT-I exam, which tests general verbal and math knowledge and reasoning abilities.

The New York Times

In important ways, the country's children appear to be becoming dumber.Michael Shayer of King's College London has been testing children's thinking skills since 1976, when he and colleagues started studying the development of reasoning abilities in young people.

The Economist

The problem for the eliminativist is how to explain these standardized regularities without appealing to putative facts about the test takers' mental lives i.e., to facts about their thoughts, desires, and reasoning abilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex problem-solving, specify which "reasoning abilities" are most relevant, such as deductive reasoning or analytical thinking, to provide clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "reasoning abilities" as a catch-all term. Instead, identify the specific type of reasoning being discussed, such as inductive, deductive, or abductive reasoning, to provide greater clarity and focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasoning abilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the general capacity for logical thought and deduction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reasoning abilities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. It serves to describe or evaluate an individual's cognitive capacity for logical thinking and problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples of its usage. When using this phrase, consider specifying the particular type of reasoning being discussed to enhance clarity. While common, avoiding overgeneralization can improve the precision of your writing. Improving these abilities can be achieved through targeted mental exercises and practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive skills

Focuses more broadly on the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and remembering.

intellectual capacity

Emphasizes the innate potential and overall mental power.

problem-solving skills

Highlights the ability to find solutions to complex issues.

critical thinking skills

Stresses the analytical and evaluative aspects of reasoning.

analytical skills

Focuses on the ability to dissect and examine information methodically.

logical thinking

Emphasizes the use of structured, coherent thought processes.

cognitive function

A more formal term that denotes mental processes.

deductive reasoning

Specific type of reasoning that focuses on drawing conclusions from general principles.

abstract thought

Focuses on the capacity to understand and deal with concepts that are not concrete.

mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of thought.

FAQs

How can I improve my "reasoning abilities"?

Engage in activities that challenge your thinking, such as puzzles, debates, or learning new subjects. Practice "critical thinking skills" and seek opportunities to apply logic and analysis in real-world situations.

What are some examples of "reasoning abilities"?

"Reasoning abilities" encompass a range of cognitive skills including "logical thinking", "problem-solving skills", "analytical skills", and the capacity for "abstract thought". These skills are crucial for making informed decisions and understanding complex concepts.

How do "reasoning abilities" relate to intelligence?

While "reasoning abilities" are a component of intelligence, they don't represent the entirety of it. As Ludwig's examples show, specific reasoning skills can be developed independently of general intelligence. However, strong reasoning skills often contribute to higher overall intellectual performance.

What's the difference between "reasoning abilities" and "cognitive skills"?

"Reasoning abilities" are a subset of "cognitive skills". While cognitive skills encompass all mental processes, including memory and attention, "reasoning abilities" specifically refer to the processes involved in thinking, analyzing, and problem-solving.