speak reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak reason" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when making a request; one is asking someone else to speak in a reasonable manner. For example, "I understand that you are frustrated, but please speak reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But how can you speak reason with these people?" Another group, the China Small Animal Protection Association, said it would sue.

The New York Times

Under the stress of fear, Howells believed, a society of commercial chance will panic; the American writer's role is not just to speak truth to power but to speak reason to hysteria.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Where Lord Strathclyde pacified a troublesome Lords with jovial good humour, Lord Hill will instead use softly spoken reason.

BBC

Saying both is just speaking reason.

Huffington Post

And, near the end of his life, Franks gave her father "a reason to get dressed in the morning, a reason to speak, a reason to be".

Forbes

So, if God has a reason to choose one creaturely world over another — rather than blindly picking one out of the hat, so to speak — that reason will have little or nothing to do with his grace.

SEP

But in recent years, rapid progress has been made in machines that can listen, speak, see, reason and learn, in their way.

The New York Times

"It's something that he should say, because he likes to speak, the reason why he is not with Chelsea and he is in Everton".

BBC

As a culture, we are losing the ability to speak, to reason, to talk things out.

Huffington Post

And if they won't speak, what reason do celebrities of other stripes have to state their opinions.

Huffington Post

One of the series' overall aims is to demonstrate that Charles is superior to the animals he encounters because he can speak and reason, he is better than they are.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak reason" to encourage someone to approach a situation with logic and rationality, especially when emotions are running high. It is most effective when requesting a calm and thoughtful response.

Common error

Avoid using "speak reason" when you intend to ask someone to clarify a cause or explanation. Instead, use phrases like "explain the reason" or "clarify the motive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak reason" functions as an imperative phrase, typically used to request or urge someone to communicate in a calm, logical, and rational manner. As per Ludwig, this request is often made in moments of high emotion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak reason" is used to ask someone to communicate calmly and logically. As clarified by Ludwig, it functions as an imperative, often employed to de-escalate tense situations. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears mainly in news media, science, and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "argue persuasively" and "reason effectively". A key point to remember is to avoid using "speak reason" when you simply need an explanation, where phrases like "explain the reason" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communicate rationally

Emphasizes the overall rational approach in the communication process.

reason effectively

Focuses on the act of thinking and communicating in a logical manner.

make a reasoned argument

Highlights the construction of an argument based on logic and evidence.

present a rational case

Highlights the use of logic and evidence in making a point.

advocate with reason

Implies supporting a cause or idea using logical and rational arguments.

offer a logical explanation

Focuses on providing a clear and rational explanation for something.

argue persuasively

Emphasizes the intent to convince someone of a particular viewpoint.

plead with reason

Suggests an urgent request supported by logical arguments.

express logically

Centers on presenting thoughts in a coherent and understandable manner.

articulate logically

Focuses on the clarity and coherence of the communication, rather than necessarily implying persuasion.

FAQs

How can I use "speak reason" in a sentence?

You can use "speak reason" to request someone to communicate calmly and rationally. For example, "I know you're upset, but please, "speak reason"."

What does "speak reason" mean?

"Speak reason" means to communicate in a logical, rational, and sensible manner, especially when addressing a conflict or emotionally charged situation.

Which is the correct alternative, "speak reason" or "speaking with reason"?

While both convey a similar idea, ""speak reason"" is a more concise and direct way to ask someone to be rational. "Speaking with reason" is a more general description of someone's communication style.

What's the difference between "reason effectively" and "speak reason"?

"Reason effectively" refers to the ability to think logically, while ""speak reason"" specifically refers to communicating that logical thought to someone else.