whether it is reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether it is reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the validity or appropriateness of a particular idea, action, or decision. Example: "We need to evaluate whether it is reasonable to proceed with the project given the current budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

We cannot therefore draw conclusions as to whether severe hyponatraemia is a risk factor to mortality and whether it is reasonable to delay surgery in its presence.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

"The issue is, whether it is reasonable for a regulator to get that much compensation".

The New York Times

We as physicians can then weigh in on whether it is reasonable to expect that to happen.

The New York Times

Whether it is reasonable to expect privacy online isn't the question now, because after Ashley Madison surely nobody believes that privacy is an option any more.

The Guardian - Opinion

And too often we resort to violence – whether it is "reasonable chastisement" as the Victorians called it, or "mild smacking" as described by Beverly Hughes.

The Guardian

Mr. Browne reaffirmed the notion that neither officer violated the guidelines, which concern whether it is reasonable for a police officer to use deadly force.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The issue was "whether it was reasonable to exclude the use of nevirapine for the treatment of mother-to-child transmission at those public hospitals and clinics where testing and counseling are available".

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Murray complained to the umpire, demanding to know whether it was reasonable for Anderson to take such a long time.

Independent

He said it was important, where such a defence is used, that the courts recognised their duty to investigate whether it was reasonable in all circumstances.

The Guardian

"Trying to think whether it's reasonable to get into this," said Zuckerberg in a Q&A session, prompting a flurry of sudden interest from the assembled journalists.

The Guardian - Tech

Even under what the court called the Supreme Court's "relaxed" standard for searches in a school setting, the lawfulness of a search depends on whether it was reasonable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question about the validity of an assumption, action, or expectation, use "whether it is reasonable" to introduce a balanced and objective assessment.

Common error

While generally acceptable, using "whether it is reasonable" too often in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if it makes sense" or "if it's a good idea" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether it is reasonable" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a question or consideration about the justification, validity, or appropriateness of a particular idea, action, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whether it is reasonable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction for introducing an inquiry regarding the validity or justification of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in both scientific and journalistic contexts, indicating its usefulness in formal and analytical discourse. When writing, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, especially in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whether it is justifiable

Indicates if something can be defended or shown to be right.

whether it is appropriate

Focuses on the rightness or fittingness of something in a given context.

whether it is suitable

Indicates if something is well-matched or appropriate for a specific purpose.

whether it is proper

Emphasizes adherence to standards, rules or conventions.

whether it is acceptable

Highlights if something meets minimum requirements or standards.

whether it is equitable

Focuses on fairness and justice, implying an unbiased assessment.

whether it is fair

Emphasizes impartiality and just treatment.

whether it is legitimate

Concerns the lawfulness or validity of something.

whether it is wise

Focuses on the prudence and good judgment of something.

whether it is affordable

Highlights the financial aspect of being within budget.

FAQs

How can I use "whether it is reasonable" in a sentence?

Use "whether it is reasonable" to introduce a question about the justification or appropriateness of something, like "We need to determine "whether it is reasonable" to expect such high returns on this investment".

What are some alternatives to "whether it is reasonable"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "whether it is appropriate", "whether it is justifiable", or "whether it is sensible".

Is it better to use "whether it is reasonable" or "if it is reasonable"?

"Whether" is generally preferred when presenting two or more alternatives or expressing doubt or choice, whereas "if" introduces a condition. Therefore "whether it is reasonable" is more appropriate when evaluating validity.

What's the difference between "whether it is reasonable" and "is it reasonable"?

"Whether it is reasonable" introduces a clause that functions as a noun (e.g., "The question is whether it is reasonable"), while "Is it reasonable?" is a direct question.