The soundness of this reasoning
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase to professionally analyze the logic behind a claim without attacking the person making it.
في 15 ثانية
- Refers to the logical strength and factual accuracy of an argument.
- Used to evaluate if an idea is reliable and well-founded.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.
المعنى
This phrase refers to how solid, logical, and reliable a person's argument or way of thinking is. It is like checking if a bridge is strong enough to walk on before you cross it.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6In a corporate board meeting
Before we invest millions, we must verify the soundness of this reasoning.
Before we invest millions, we must verify the soundness of this reasoning.
Discussing a friend's wild travel plan
I love the idea, but I'm worried about the soundness of your reasoning for going in winter.
I love the idea, but I'm worried about the soundness of your reasoning for going in winter.
Writing a university essay
The author fails to demonstrate the soundness of this reasoning in the final chapter.
The author fails to demonstrate the soundness of this reasoning in the final chapter.
خلفية ثقافية
The term 'sound' originates from Old English 'sund,' meaning healthy or free from defect. In intellectual history, particularly in the English-speaking legal and philosophical traditions, 'soundness' became the benchmark for a valid argument that is also factually true. It reflects a cultural emphasis on empirical evidence and deductive logic as the primary tools for decision-making.
The 'Bridge' Mental Image
Always imagine a bridge when using this. If the 'reasoning' is the bridge, 'soundness' is the quality of the wood and nails. If it's not sound, don't walk on it!
Don't Overuse in Casual Settings
If you use this while choosing a pizza topping, your friends might think you're being pretentious or sarcastic. Save it for the big stuff.
في 15 ثانية
- Refers to the logical strength and factual accuracy of an argument.
- Used to evaluate if an idea is reliable and well-founded.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.
What It Means
The soundness of this reasoning is a high-level way to talk about logic. Think of it as the 'health' of an idea. If an argument is 'sound,' it means it is based on facts. It also means the logic follows a clear path. You are checking if the foundation is solid or shaky. It is not just about being right. It is about how you got there.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to evaluate an idea. It usually appears as the subject or object of a sentence. You might say, 'I question the soundness of this reasoning.' This sounds much more sophisticated than saying 'I think you are wrong.' It focuses on the logic, not the person. It is a great way to be critical without being rude. Use it when you want to sound like a deep thinker.
When To Use It
This is perfect for professional settings. Use it in a meeting when a colleague suggests a risky plan. It works well in academic writing or serious debates. You can also use it when making a big life decision. For example, if your friend wants to quit their job to become a professional unicyclist. You might want to double-check the soundness of his reasoning first. It adds weight to your words.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party or while watching sports. If your friend drops their ice cream, don't analyze the soundness of their reasoning. You will sound like a robot. Avoid it in casual texts like 'Hey, what's up?' It is too heavy for small talk. It can also sound sarcastic if used for tiny mistakes. Use it for big ideas, not for deciding which socks to wear.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from formal logic and philosophy. In the West, 'soundness' is a specific term in syllogisms. It means the premises are true and the conclusion follows them. Over time, it moved from dusty philosophy books into business and law. It reflects a culture that values objective logic over pure emotion. It suggests that truth can be measured and tested.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 'the logic is sound' or 'a sound argument.' Sometimes people use 'flawed reasoning' as the opposite. You can also say 'I have doubts about the soundness of...' to be polite. Another variation is 'the validity of the reasoning.' However, 'soundness' is the gold standard for reliability. It implies the idea is 'healthy' and 'whole.'
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase sits at a C2 level because of its precision and formal register. It is most effective in written reports or high-stakes verbal negotiations where you need to challenge an idea diplomatically.
The 'Bridge' Mental Image
Always imagine a bridge when using this. If the 'reasoning' is the bridge, 'soundness' is the quality of the wood and nails. If it's not sound, don't walk on it!
Don't Overuse in Casual Settings
If you use this while choosing a pizza topping, your friends might think you're being pretentious or sarcastic. Save it for the big stuff.
The British Understatement
In the UK, saying 'I have some concerns about the soundness of this reasoning' is often a very polite way of saying 'This is a terrible idea.'
أمثلة
6Before we invest millions, we must verify the soundness of this reasoning.
Before we invest millions, we must verify the soundness of this reasoning.
Used here to ensure a business strategy is based on facts.
I love the idea, but I'm worried about the soundness of your reasoning for going in winter.
I love the idea, but I'm worried about the soundness of your reasoning for going in winter.
A polite way to suggest a friend might be making a mistake.
The author fails to demonstrate the soundness of this reasoning in the final chapter.
The author fails to demonstrate the soundness of this reasoning in the final chapter.
Standard academic critique of a logical argument.
I'm looking at our savings; the soundness of this reasoning for buying a boat is low.
I'm looking at our savings; the soundness of this reasoning for buying a boat is low.
Using formal language in a casual text to add a touch of dry humor.
You are making assumptions that undermine the soundness of this reasoning.
You are making assumptions that undermine the soundness of this reasoning.
Used to point out a logical flaw during a serious discussion.
The prosecution's case depends entirely on the soundness of this reasoning.
The prosecution's case depends entirely on the soundness of this reasoning.
Legal context where logic determines the outcome of a case.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a business context.
We cannot proceed until we have confirmed the ___ of this reasoning.
'Soundness' refers to logical health, while 'loudness' and 'brightness' refer to physical attributes.
Identify the correct preposition to use with the phrase.
There are several flaws in the soundness ___ this reasoning.
The standard prepositional phrase is 'soundness of [something].'
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum of Logical Critique
Simple and direct.
That makes no sense.
Clear but polite.
Your logic seems a bit off.
Sophisticated and precise.
I question the soundness of this reasoning.
Where to use 'The soundness of this reasoning'
Peer Review
Critiquing a scientific paper.
Legal Defense
Challenging a witness's logic.
Strategic Planning
Evaluating a 5-year business plan.
Philosophical Debate
Discussing ethics and morality.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt means the argument is both logically valid and based on true facts. If you say the soundness of this reasoning, you are looking for holes in the logic.
Not at all! While it sounds academic, it is used by business leaders, lawyers, and anyone making serious decisions. You can use it whenever logic matters.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or slightly funny. For example, I'm questioning the soundness of this reasoning for staying up until 3 AM.
Yes, much better. It focuses on the reasoning itself rather than the person, which makes you sound more objective and professional.
The most common opposites are flawed reasoning or fallacious logic. You could also say the reasoning is unsound.
No, you can change the pronoun. You can say the soundness of HIS reasoning or the soundness of THEIR reasoning depending on who you are talking about.
No, in this context, 'sound' means stable or healthy. It is like saying a house has a sound structure—it won't fall down.
Absolutely. It shows you have a high level of English and that you value logical thinking. For example: I always check the soundness of my reasoning before presenting a solution.
You can just say Is that sound? or That sounds like sound reasoning. Both are slightly less formal but still very clear.
A common mistake is saying the soundness of this reason. It should be reasoning (the process), not just one reason (the fact).
عبارات ذات صلة
Logical consistency
When all parts of an argument agree with each other.
Well-founded
Based on solid evidence or good reasons.
Watertight argument
An argument that is so logical it is impossible to find a flaw in it.
Fallacious logic
Reasoning that is based on a mistaken belief or bad logic.
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