trying to reason with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to reason with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to persuade or convince someone through logical argumentation or discussion. Example: "I spent hours trying to reason with him about the importance of following the rules, but he remained unconvinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Protagonist frantically trying to reason with them?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Solimini approached her slowly, trying to reason with her.

The New Yorker

He was just trying to reason with them".

The Guardian - Sport

It's like trying to reason with a cat.

The Guardian

Talking to your car can be like trying to reason with a recalcitrant toddler.

The New York Times

Well, sometimes I really do get tired of trying to reason with these people.

The New York Times

I have been trying to reason with him to no avail.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, his lawyers were trying to reason with the police to release him.

The New York Times

"But I don't mean it!" I screamed, trying to reason with her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

My boyfriend tried to reason with me.

The New York Times

Stein tries to reason with her.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "trying to reason with" someone, clearly present your points with logical evidence and avoid emotional appeals that could undermine your credibility.

Common error

Don't assume that logic will always work. Sometimes, people are driven by emotions or biases, and "trying to reason with" them may be ineffective. Recognize when a different approach is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to reason with" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a verb that describes the action of attempting to persuade someone using logic and rational arguments. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to reason with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of attempting to persuade someone through logic and rational discourse. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While effective communication involves presenting logical arguments, it's important to recognize that not everyone is receptive to reason due to emotions or biases. Therefore, employing different approaches may be necessary in certain situations. Several alternatives exist, such as "attempting to persuade" or "seeking to negotiate", which can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to persuade

Focuses on the attempt to change someone's mind through influence.

endeavoring to convince

Emphasizes the effort and intent to make someone believe something.

seeking to negotiate

Highlights the pursuit of a compromise or agreement.

working to conciliate

Implies efforts to reconcile differences and build goodwill.

aiming to bring around

Suggests a goal of changing someone's opinion to your viewpoint.

making an effort to influence

Broader term emphasizing the exertion of influence.

striving for accord

Highlights the active pursuit of agreement and harmony.

undertaking to arbitrate

Focuses on acting as an intermediary to resolve a dispute.

exerting effort to convert

Conveys a strong intention to change someone's beliefs or actions.

giving it a shot to reconcile

Informal way of saying to attempt reconciliation.

FAQs

How can I use "trying to reason with" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to reason with" to describe an attempt to persuade someone using logic. For example: "I spent the whole evening "trying to reason with" him about the risks of his plan."

What are some alternatives to "trying to reason with"?

Alternatives include "attempting to persuade", "endeavoring to convince", or "seeking to negotiate", depending on the specific context.

Is it always effective to "try to reason with" someone?

No, it's not always effective. Sometimes, emotional or irrational factors may prevent someone from being receptive to reason. Understanding the other person's perspective is key before "trying to reason with" them.

What's the difference between "trying to reason with" and "arguing with"?

"Trying to reason with" implies an attempt to use logic and persuasion in a calm manner, while "arguing with" suggests a more heated, potentially unproductive exchange. The former aims for understanding and agreement, the latter can escalate conflict.