to be reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be reasonable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's behavior or actions as sensible, just, or fair. Example: She asked him to be reasonable when discussing their divorce settlement. In this sentence, "to be reasonable" means to act in a fair and rational manner during the discussion of their divorce settlement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Try to be reasonable when reasoning with them.

WikiHow

You try to be reasonable.

The New Yorker

"You have to be reasonable".

The New York Times

"You need both sides to be reasonable".

The New York Times

These may seem to be reasonable positions.

The New York Times

Townspeople, I implore you to be reasonable!

The New Yorker

To be reasonable is to be right.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there needs to be reasonable limits".

The New York Times

He wants to be reasonable.

The New York Times - Arts

I was trying to be reasonable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To this extent, Huckestein's model seems to be reasonable.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be reasonable" in negotiations, ensure you clearly articulate your own needs and listen actively to the other party's concerns to foster a collaborative environment.

Common error

Avoid equating "to be reasonable" with being submissive or lacking assertiveness; it's about finding fair solutions, not abandoning your stance.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be reasonable" functions as a descriptor of behavior or attitude, indicating a desired quality of fairness, rationality, and good judgment. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be reasonable" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language, primarily functioning as a descriptor of desired behavior. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions and everyday conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, further solidifying its place in both formal and informal communication. While "to be reasonable" generally carries a neutral tone, understanding its nuances and potential alternatives ensures effective and contextually appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be sensible

Highlights the quality of being practical and realistic.

to act fairly

Focuses on impartiality and justice in one's actions.

to exercise sound judgment

Emphasizes the application of wisdom and good sense.

to keep an open mind

Emphasizes willingness to consider different ideas.

to show moderation

Highlights the avoidance of extremes in behavior or demands.

to be understanding

Stresses empathy and consideration of others' perspectives.

to demonstrate good faith

Focuses on honesty and sincerity in intentions.

to find common ground

Focuses on identifying shared interests or agreements.

to negotiate in good faith

Focuses on honesty and sincerity in negotiation process.

to take a balanced approach

Implies considering all sides of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "to be reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "to be reasonable" to describe actions or expectations, such as, "It's important "to be reasonable" when setting deadlines" or "The judge asked both parties "to be reasonable" during the settlement negotiations".

What's a good alternative to "to be reasonable"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "to be reasonable" include "to act fairly", "to be understanding", or "to exercise sound judgment". Each alternative shifts the emphasis slightly.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be reasonable"?

The phrase "to be reasonable" is suitable in any situation where fairness, objectivity, and sound judgement are desired, such as in negotiations, conflict resolution, or decision-making processes. Always ensure it aligns with the context and doesn't imply weakness or compromise on core values.

What is the difference between "to be reasonable" and "to compromise"?

"To be reasonable" implies a willingness to consider different perspectives and find a fair solution, while "to compromise" specifically means giving up something to reach an agreement. "To be reasonable" might lead to a compromise, but it can also result in a solution where no concessions are necessary.