to reason about something

USAGE SUMMARY

'to reason about something' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing logical thought processes and using facts and evidence to form arguments and conclusions. Example: After researching the topic thoroughly, he began to reason about the best course of action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's far more likely that they fear Trump has good reason to lie about something very important — to cover up serious misconduct.

The Washington Post

Jürgen E. Schrempp, the embattled chief executive of DaimlerChrysler, now has a good reason to think about something other than a turnaround for Chrysler.

The New York Times

They have no reason to lie about something that trivial.

Huffington Post

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to post about something related to a metropolis, so I had to sift recommendations for clubs and restaurants out of random news articles and other noise in my initial search for "Berlin".

TechCrunch

The problem is how crappy Afghanistan is, and now they have "one trillion fresh reasons" to fight about something.

Huffington Post

With the vacuum created by the postponement, "everybody who has a reason to be upset about something has time to talk about it," said Drew McKissick, a South Carolina delegate.

The New York Times

Beane had reason to be excited about something as mundane as a victory in May.

The New York Times - Sports

'To explain' means to give details about something, and the reasons behind it.

BBC

Mr Sankoh, it is surmised, wanted to sound statesmanlike about something else.Another reason could be that, as the Nigerian peacekeepers depart with their loot and shovels, other forces are moving into the diamond areas.

The Economist

If you're not used to taking care of yourself, it's a good reason to start improving something about yourself.

WikiHow

Petitions can be rejected for a number of reasons, including for being about something that the UK government or Parliament is not responsible for, or is nonsensical.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “to reason about something” when you want to emphasize a logical and thoughtful approach to understanding a particular issue or subject. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and discussions where clarity and precision are important.

Common error

Avoid using “to reason about something” in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like “to think about” or “to consider” are often more appropriate and sound less stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to reason about something" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating a purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where the phrase is used to describe a process of logical thinking and evaluation. It suggests a conscious and deliberate effort to understand a subject using reason.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to reason about something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase that signifies a logical and thoughtful approach to understanding a subject. Ludwig AI highlights its use in diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and science. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral settings where clarity and precision are valued. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "to think about" or "to consider" in casual contexts. The phrase's strength lies in its emphasis on structured thought and evidence-based analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reason about a topic

Replaces "something" with "topic" to specify the subject of reasoning.

to think through something

Focuses on a thorough and methodical examination of a subject, emphasizing the process.

to think analytically about something

Adds "analytically" to specify the style of thinking.

to consider something logically

Highlights the application of logic in the evaluation process.

to evaluate something critically

Focuses on assessing merits and demerits with a discerning eye.

to analyze something rationally

Emphasizes the use of reason and analytical skills.

to examine something closely

Emphasizes a detailed and careful investigation.

to deliberate on something

Suggests a careful and prolonged consideration.

to reflect on something

Indicates deep and thoughtful consideration, often introspective.

to contemplate something

Implies a more leisurely and philosophical consideration.

FAQs

How do I use "to reason about something" in a sentence?

You can use "to reason about something" to describe a process of logical thinking and evaluation. For example: "It's important "to reason about the consequences" before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to "to reason about something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to think through something", "to consider logically", or "to analyze rationally".

Is it better to say "to reason about something" or "to think about something"?

"To reason about something" implies a more formal and structured thought process than "to think about something". Use "to reason about something" when you want to emphasize the use of logic and evidence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to reason about something"?

Use "to reason about something" in situations where you want to highlight a deliberate and methodical approach to understanding or solving a problem, especially in academic, professional, or formal contexts.