stand to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand to reason" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and it is often used in the sense of "it logically follows that..." or "it makes sense that...".
For example: "Since their plans didn't pan out, it stands to reason that they will have to try a different approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And it does stand to reason.

The Economist

It would stand to reason that they might also be less aware of the new laws.

The New York Times

Would it not stand to reason the NHL might consider a boycott?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the nation's automotive schisms are well known, of course, and stand to reason.

The New York Times - Travel

Doesn't it stand to reason that children can also be influenced by panicked parents and aggressive or poorly trained investigators?

The New Yorker

It would stand to reason that the Yankees could still add Santana, despite their deadline, if either side changes course.

The New York Times

An adult is someone who says, "It does not stand to reason," dismissing most of creation from view.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, if the man is the primary caregiver, then it would stand to reason that he would be responsible for domestic daily activities.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

So it should stand to reason that the look and feel of Apple's stores, which are quite popular with shoppers, might begin to appear in competing retailers' stores.

TechCrunch

It simply does not stand to reason that Rippon would have gone so cold, so quickly, on the Savile story unless he was being leant on.

Independent

Now, it could stand to reason that these donors simply wanted to open up a second front on Sanders.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand to reason" to introduce a conclusion that naturally follows from the preceding information or evidence. It strengthens the connection between premise and outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "stand to reason" when you need to express absolute certainty. The phrase implies a high degree of probability but not a guaranteed outcome. If the conclusion is indisputable, a stronger, more direct statement is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand to reason" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase used to express that something is logical, sensible, or likely to be true. Ludwig AI confirms this, citing examples where it introduces a conclusion drawn from presented facts or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic verb phrase "stand to reason" is a common and correct way to suggest that something is logical or sensible. Ludwig AI’s analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples primarily from News & Media and Science sources, affirms its widespread acceptability. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a reasonable likelihood rather than absolute certainty. Consider alternatives like "it is logical" or "it makes sense" for slight variations in meaning. Although it has a neutral tone, it's more suited for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is logical

Directly states the logical nature of something, omitting the more idiomatic feel.

it makes sense

Expresses that something is understandable or rational, simplifying the original phrase.

it follows logically

Highlights the consequential nature of the reasoning, emphasizing the sequence of thought.

it is reasonable to assume

Introduces an element of assumption based on reason, adding a layer of possibility.

it is a fair assumption

Suggests that an assumption is valid and justifiable, focusing on fairness.

it can be inferred

Emphasizes the process of deduction or conclusion drawing.

it is a natural conclusion

Highlights that something is an expected result or outcome.

it is to be expected

Suggests anticipation or predictability, focusing on expectancy.

it is only natural

Implies something is normal or typical, emphasizing natural occurrence.

it is a sound conclusion

Highlights the validity and reliability of the conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "stand to reason" in a sentence?

The phrase "stand to reason" is used to suggest that something is logical or makes sense. For example, "If the weather is good, it "stands to reason" that the park will be crowded."

What does "stand to reason" mean?

"Stand to reason" means that something is logical, sensible, or reasonable. It implies that a conclusion or expectation is likely to be true based on the available evidence or information.

What can I say instead of "stand to reason"?

You can use alternatives like "it is logical", "it makes sense", or "it follows logically" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "stands to reason" or "stood to reason"?

The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "stands to reason" for present tense, and "stood to reason" for past tense. For example, "It stands to reason that he would be tired" versus "It stood to reason that he was tired."