talk reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talk reason" is technically correct in written English, although it is not a commonly used phrase.
It generally means to have a reasonable and logical discussion about something. For example: "Let's talk reason about the upcoming budget before any decisions are made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While Japan was merely sounding shrill, China encouragingly said it was sending a high-ranking delegation to Pyongyang to talk reason.

The Economist

"You just can't talk reason to him," she says.

Los Angeles Times

They had no desire to engage in conversation and thought I was nuts for trying to talk reason.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The well-dressed crowd, their small talk reasoned, their outlook untinged by venomous riffs on Democrats, seemed a warp-speed return to the days of Nelson Rockefeller before he was fatefully booed at a long ago G.O.P. convention.

The New York Times

When faced with lines of riot police the tactic now, as then, has been to talk and reason, giving ground if necessary before surging back.

BBC

They can talk to reason, and to skepticism based on reason; they can't talk to doctrinaire certainty that is independent of rational, critical thought.

Princeton University

Ministers talk sweet reason in making the case for ID cards and national NHS records.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But when they hear him begin to talk and reason, they'll appreciate he has a depth".

The New York Times - Sports

But as they talk, another reason becomes obvious, which has less to do with Glitter's music than with them.

The Guardian - Music

DLs are logics of programs, and permit to talk and reason about states of affairs, processes, changes, and results.

SEP

(Some commentators talk of reason's "constructing" moral principles; see, e.g., Rawls 1980; O'Neill 1989, ch. 11; cf. Ameriks 2006, ch. 11).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk reason" when you want to emphasize the act of engaging in a logical and rational discussion to resolve a conflict or make a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "talk reason" interchangeably with simply "talking"; the phrase specifically implies a deliberate attempt at logical persuasion and mutual understanding, not just any conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "talk reason" is as a verb phrase, where "talk" functions as the main verb and "reason" acts as a noun indicating the objective or focus of the talking. It is used to describe the act of discussing something in a reasonable and logical manner. Ludwig contains examples of the phrase in use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talk reason" describes the act of engaging in a logical and rational discussion, often with the intent of resolving a conflict or making a decision. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while grammatically sound, the expression is not particularly common, with limited examples primarily found in news and media contexts. It's a neutral expression with a specific nuance, suggesting more than just conversation but a deliberate attempt at logical persuasion. Alternatives like "reason with" or "have a rational discussion" may be more frequently encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason with

Focuses on attempting to influence someone's thinking through logic.

have a rational discussion

Emphasizes the logical and sensible nature of the conversation.

engage in logical discourse

Highlights the structured and reasoned exchange of ideas.

negotiate rationally

Suggests a process of bargaining based on reason and logic.

use sound judgment in conversation

Focuses on employing careful and well-considered thinking during dialogue.

appeal to logic

Highlights the act of persuading someone by using logical arguments.

present a reasoned argument

Focuses on providing a well-structured and logical case.

discuss reasonably

Stresses the importance of conducting a discussion in a sensible manner.

exchange views logically

Highlights the structured and sensible exchange of perspectives.

try to make sense

Indicates an attempt to bring clarity and understanding to a situation through discussion.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Let's "talk reason" before making any hasty decisions" to suggest a rational discussion.

What does it mean to "talk reason" with someone?

To "talk reason" means to engage in a calm, logical discussion with the intention of finding a mutually acceptable solution or understanding.

Is "talk reason" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "talk reason" is not as common as phrases like "reason with" or "have a rational discussion".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "talk reason"?

Use "talk reason" when you want to highlight the importance of logic and rationality in a conversation, especially when trying to resolve a disagreement or make an important decision.