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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

what's your reasoning
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(1)

what is the rationale behind this

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

What's your reasoning?

News & Media

The Guardian

What's your reasoning behind it?

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What's your secret?

Science

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

What's your plan?

Science

BMC Nursing

What was your reasoning in also including the prisoners' written statements released to the press as opposed only the last spoken words?

News & Media

The New Yorker

What was your reasoning behind the decision?

News & Media

Huffington Post

What has been your reasoning behind the choice of being discreet?

News & Media

Huffington Post

What's the reasoning behind those demands?

News & Media

The New York Times

What's the reasoning behind him over Calvin Johnson or Ryan Mathews?

News & Media

The New York Times

What's the reasoning behind an all-female cast?

News & Media

The Guardian

Is this a common practice, and if so, what's the reasoning behind it?

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what's your reasoning", be prepared to actively listen and consider the response. This phrase invites a detailed explanation, so show genuine interest in understanding the other person's perspective.

Common error

Don't assume the person you're asking understands the context or background of your question. Provide sufficient information to ensure they can give a relevant and helpful response.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's your reasoning" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to solicit an explanation or justification for a particular belief, decision, or action. It directly asks for the underlying logic or rationale. Ludwig examples show its use in journalistic and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what's your reasoning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase employed to elicit explanations and justifications. While Ludwig provides examples from news, media, and scientific domains, its usage spans diverse contexts. It is considered neutral in register and invites a detailed articulation of one's thought process. To enhance clarity, ensure the person being asked understands the context of the question. Consider alternatives like "what's your rationale" or "can you explain your thinking" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's your rationale

Replaces "reasoning" with the synonym "rationale", focusing on the underlying principles.

what's your justification

Substitutes "reasoning" with "justification", emphasizing the defense or support for an action.

what's the basis for your decision

Focuses on the foundation upon which the decision was made, rather than the thought process itself.

what led you to that conclusion

Emphasizes the path or steps that resulted in the final conclusion.

how did you arrive at that decision

Focuses on the process of reaching the decision, highlighting the journey.

can you explain your thinking

Asks for a detailed explanation of the thought process involved.

what are your reasons for this

A more direct and straightforward way of asking for the reasons behind something.

why do you think that's the right approach

Specifically questions the validity of a chosen method or strategy.

walk me through your thought process

Requests a step-by-step explanation of how someone's thoughts developed.

what's the logic behind that

Asks about the logical consistency and coherence of an idea or action.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to ask "what's your reasoning"?

You can use phrases like "what's your rationale", "what's the basis for your decision", or "can you explain your thinking" to inquire about someone's reasons.

Is "what's your reasoning" appropriate for formal settings?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal settings, consider using a more polished phrase like "what is the rationale behind this" or "what is the basis for this decision".

How can I use "what's your reasoning" effectively in a conversation?

Use it when you genuinely want to understand someone's perspective or decision-making process. Be open to hearing their explanation and avoid interrupting or judging their response.

What's the difference between "what's your reasoning" and "why"?

"Why" can sometimes sound accusatory. "What's your reasoning" is generally perceived as more neutral and invites a more detailed explanation of the thought process.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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what's your reasoningGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

what's your reasoning
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples