stands to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stands to reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that something is likely or logical. For example, "Given Jane's good grades, it stands to reason that she will be accepted to a top college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It all stands to reason.

The New York Times

It only stands to reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It stands to reason," Mr. Dergarabedian said.

The New York Times

It's true, because it stands to reason.

The Guardian

"It stands to reason," he said.

The New York Times

It stands to reason, doesn't it?Perhaps not.

The Economist

Yet in most cases, this stands to reason.

The Economist

That Nashville should have a fine orchestra stands to reason.

The New York Times - Arts

That stands to reason, Dr. Fries and other physicians said.

The New York Times - Health

So it stands to reason that fires may actually decrease.

The Guardian

And it stands to reason because it's true.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stands to reason" to introduce a conclusion that follows naturally from the facts or premises you have presented. It adds a sense of logical progression to your argument.

Common error

While "stands to reason" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it makes sense" or "it follows logically".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stands to reason" functions as a connector, signaling a logical inference or conclusion. Ludwig examples confirm its role in presenting something as probable or understandable, effectively linking premises to outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stands to reason" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is logical or likely. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability in written English. With a neutral to professional register, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "it makes sense" or "it follows logically". "Stands to reason" serves as a connector, effectively linking ideas and presenting conclusions as rational inferences, based on the presented information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it makes sense

Indicates that something is rational and coherent.

it follows logically

Stresses the sequential and reasoned progression leading to a conclusion.

it is logical

Focuses on the inherent logic of a situation, rather than an intuitive understanding.

it is understandable

Highlights the comprehensibility of a situation, suggesting it's easy to grasp.

it is reasonable

Suggests that something is fair and sensible.

it is to be expected

Highlights that something is predictable and aligns with anticipations.

it is probable

Emphasizes the likelihood of something occurring, suggesting a high degree of certainty.

it is only natural

Suggests that something is a normal or expected occurrence.

it is a safe bet

Indicates a high degree of confidence in a particular outcome.

it is a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome is inevitable and predetermined.

FAQs

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

You can use "stands to reason" to introduce a logical conclusion based on presented information. For example, "Given the evidence, it "stands to reason" that the defendant is guilty".

What are some alternatives to "stands to reason"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it makes sense", "it is logical", or "it follows logically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stands to reason" formal or informal?

"Stands to reason" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it may be slightly more common in journalistic or conversational contexts. Use your best judgement based on the specific audience and purpose.

What does it mean when something "stands to reason"?

When something ""stands to reason"", it means that it is logical, understandable, and likely to be true based on the available evidence or information.