think reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think reasonable" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "think reasonably." You can use it when discussing the importance of having a rational or logical thought process. Example: "In order to solve this problem effectively, we need to think reasonably and consider all possible solutions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I think reasonable people would agree.

The Washington Post

"I think reasonable people care about wildlife," he said.

The New York Times

"I think reasonable minds will prevail on this," Mr. Moynihan said.

The New York Times

That is, I think, reasonable pedagogy, but it is not totally comfortable as an intellectual position.

Stanford University

With that said, I think reasonable people could disagree on what the legal rule should be.

The Washington Post

"But I don't think reasonable people would say it is felonious".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This I thought reasonable.

The Guardian - Money

"Over the years we've seen currency go a lot longer and a lot further than many people thought reasonable".

The New York Times

"The following year I added 40% over what I thought reasonable and that's how it played out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like, more dirt than I thought reasonable.

Vice

Therefore it was thought reasonable to combine these outcomes.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey the idea of approaching a subject with reason, use the adverb "reasonably" instead of the adjective "reasonable". For instance, say "think reasonably".

Common error

Avoid using the adjective "reasonable" to describe the act of thinking; instead, use the adverb "reasonably" to modify the verb "think". Using "reasonable" incorrectly implies that the thought itself is reasonable, rather than describing the manner of thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think reasonable" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is to use the adverb "reasonably" to modify the verb "think." The function of the corrected phrase would be to describe the manner in which someone is thinking, emphasizing a logical and rational approach. Ludwig AI reports that this is not a standard expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "think reasonable" is grammatically incorrect. The correct way to express the idea of thinking in a rational manner is to use the adverb "reasonably," as in "think reasonably." As Ludwig AI points out, "think reasonable" isn't standard English. To convey rational thought, use alternatives like ""think logically"" or ""think rationally"," which are grammatically sound and widely accepted. Remember to avoid using adjectives when you need an adverb to modify a verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think logically

Focuses on a structured, step-by-step approach to thinking.

think rationally

Highlights the use of reason and evidence in forming thoughts.

think soundly

Emphasizes the quality and reliability of the thought process.

exercise sound judgment

Shifts the focus to the application of good decision-making skills.

apply reason

Suggests a deliberate and active use of logical thinking.

think with reason

Similar to 'apply reason' but more conversational.

think judiciously

Implies careful consideration and wise evaluation.

make a reasoned decision

Focuses on the outcome of a thoughtful process.

think circumspectly

Highlights the importance of caution and thoroughness in thinking.

think prudently

Emphasizes practical wisdom and foresight.

FAQs

How can I use "think reasonably" in a sentence?

You can use "think reasonably" to describe the act of approaching a subject logically. For example, "In order to solve this problem effectively, we need to "think reasonably" and consider all possible solutions".

What is a better alternative to "think reasonable"?

Instead of "think reasonable", consider using alternatives such as "think logically" or "think rationally". These options correctly use adverbs to modify the verb "think".

Is it correct to say "think reasonable" or "think reasonably"?

The correct phrase is "think reasonably". The word "reasonably" is an adverb that modifies the verb "think", describing how the action is performed. "Reasonable" is an adjective and cannot be used in this context.

What's the difference between "think reasonable" and "be reasonable"?

"Think reasonable" is grammatically incorrect. "Be reasonable" means to act in a fair and sensible way. To convey the idea of thinking in a rational manner, use ""think reasonably"" instead.