this seems reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this seems reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing agreement or acceptance of a suggestion, idea, or proposal that appears logical or fair. Example: "After reviewing the budget proposal, I must say that this seems reasonable given our current financial situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now you might nod and think this seems reasonable.

The Guardian - Travel

This seems reasonable initially, but I'd like to suggest that it's actually incoherent.

The New York Times

It may also ask UBS to raise capital backing for its operational risks.All this seems reasonable.

The Economist

"This seems reasonable," I said, because I did not know what to say: "Of course it seems reasonable," he said.

The New Yorker

This seems reasonable enough: in most areas of endeavour, human beings are judged on their track record.

The Economist

This seems reasonable when applied to the ban on most Palestinian workers in Israel, devastating as that ban is.

The Economist

This seems reasonable enough to Dr. Prusoff, who pointed out that he could not have done the work without Yale's labs, Yale's library or Yale's electrical outlets.

The New York Times - Health

This seems reasonable, bearing in mind that the poems and the reputations of younger poets are still very much in the making.

The Guardian - Books

Given that the overwhelming number of American businesses are small, and that, as we've all heard, small businesses create most new jobs, this seems reasonable enough.

The New Yorker

This seems reasonable enough, except the evidence that modest minimum wage increases do lead to higher unemployment is pretty sketchy to say the least.

The Guardian

Intuitively this seems reasonable.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this seems reasonable" to politely express agreement or acceptance of a proposal, plan, or explanation.

Common error

While versatile, "this seems reasonable" can sound too formal in casual conversations. Opt for alternatives like "sounds good" or "that works" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this seems reasonable" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing agreement or acceptance towards a suggestion, proposal, or explanation. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys that something aligns with logic and fairness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this seems reasonable" is a versatile phrase used to express agreement or acceptance in a polite and professional manner. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its applications span across varied contexts, including science, news, and business. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required. While suitable for professional settings, less formal options may be better suited for casual conversations. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this appears acceptable

Substitutes "seems" with "appears" and "reasonable" with "acceptable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

this looks fair

Replaces "seems reasonable" with a more direct and concise expression of agreement.

this sounds plausible

Emphasizes the believability or likelihood of something being true.

this is understandable

Highlights the ease with which something can be comprehended or justified.

this is a fair assessment

Specifically refers to an evaluation or judgment, suggesting impartiality.

this is justifiable

Indicates that there are valid reasons or grounds for something.

this is a valid point

Acknowledges the strength and relevance of a particular argument or idea.

this is a sound judgment

Suggests that the decision or conclusion is well-reasoned and reliable.

this is a sensible approach

Focuses on the practicality and wisdom of a method or course of action.

this is equitable

Emphasizes the fairness and impartiality of a decision or arrangement, particularly in distributing resources or opportunities.

FAQs

How can I use "this seems reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "this seems reasonable" to express agreement or acceptance of a suggestion, idea, or proposal that appears logical or fair. For example: "After reviewing the budget proposal, I must say that this seems reasonable given our current financial situation."

What can I say instead of "this seems reasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "this appears acceptable", "this looks fair", or "this sounds plausible" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this seems reasonable"?

It is appropriate to use "this seems reasonable" in professional, academic, or formal contexts where you want to politely express agreement or acceptance while maintaining a neutral tone.

Is "this seems reasonable" too formal for casual conversation?

In very casual conversations, "this seems reasonable" might sound a bit formal. Consider using less formal alternatives like "sounds good", "that works", or "I agree".