One might reasonably claim that
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Littéralement: One (a person) might (possibly) reasonably (with logic) claim (state) that
Use this to present a strong opinion as a logical, undeniable fact while remaining perfectly polite.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a logical, evidence-based opinion.
- Uses 'one' to sound objective rather than personal or biased.
- Perfect for academic writing, debates, or high-level business discussions.
Signification
This phrase is a polite way to introduce a logical opinion. It suggests that your idea is fair and based on good evidence without being too aggressive.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business strategy meeting
One might reasonably claim that our current marketing budget is insufficient for the Q4 goals.
One might reasonably claim that our current marketing budget is insufficient for the Q4 goals.
Discussing a movie with friends
One might reasonably claim that the sequel was better than the original film.
One might reasonably claim that the sequel was better than the original film.
Writing a university essay
One might reasonably claim that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
One might reasonably claim that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
Contexte culturel
This expression reflects the 'detached' style of English rhetoric, where using the third-person 'one' makes an argument feel more universal and less personal. It is deeply rooted in the legal and philosophical history of the UK and US, where 'reasonableness' is a standard for judging human behavior.
The 'One' Trick
Using 'one' instead of 'I' is a secret weapon in English. It makes you sound like an expert who is observing a fact, rather than just a person with an opinion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century butler. Save it for your strongest, most important points.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a logical, evidence-based opinion.
- Uses 'one' to sound objective rather than personal or biased.
- Perfect for academic writing, debates, or high-level business discussions.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a velvet glove for your arguments. It allows you to state a strong opinion while sounding incredibly balanced. You aren't just shouting your feelings. You are inviting the other person to see the logic in your view. It implies that any sensible person would likely agree with you.
How To Use It
Place this at the very start of your sentence to set a scholarly tone. It acts as a buffer for controversial or firm statements. Use it when you want to sound like the most rational person in the room. It works best when followed by a clear, debatable point. For example: One might reasonably claim that pizza is a breakfast food.
When To Use It
Use this in academic essays or high-level business meetings. It is perfect for performance reviews or debating a strategy. You can also use it when you want to sound slightly fancy during a dinner party. It helps you disagree with someone without starting a physical fight. It’s the ultimate 'civilized' way to prove a point.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this while shouting at a football match. It will make you sound like a lost professor. Avoid it in quick text messages to your best friend about lunch. It is too heavy for casual, fast-paced gossip. If you use it while emotional, it might come off as passive-aggressive. Keep it for moments that require a bit of intellectual weight.
Cultural Background
This phrase stems from the British tradition of 'understatement' and polite debate. In English-speaking academic circles, being too direct is often seen as rude. Using 'one' instead of 'I' creates a sense of objective truth. It suggests the argument belongs to the world of logic, not just your own head. It’s a classic hallmark of C2-level sophisticated English.
Common Variations
It could be argued that(Even more detached)Some might suggest that(Softer and less certain)A case can be made that(Very logical and structured)One could argue that(Slightly more common in speech)
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level expression. It requires a high level of grammatical control and is best suited for formal writing or professional environments where precision and politeness are valued.
The 'One' Trick
Using 'one' instead of 'I' is a secret weapon in English. It makes you sound like an expert who is observing a fact, rather than just a person with an opinion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century butler. Save it for your strongest, most important points.
The Reasonableness Standard
In Western culture, being 'reasonable' is a huge compliment. By using this phrase, you are subtly telling the listener that if they disagree, they might be being 'unreasonable'.
Exemples
6One might reasonably claim that our current marketing budget is insufficient for the Q4 goals.
One might reasonably claim that our current marketing budget is insufficient for the Q4 goals.
This makes the criticism of the budget feel like a logical observation rather than a personal complaint.
One might reasonably claim that the sequel was better than the original film.
One might reasonably claim that the sequel was better than the original film.
Adds a touch of playful intellectualism to a casual debate.
One might reasonably claim that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
One might reasonably claim that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
Standard academic usage to introduce a thesis statement.
One might reasonably claim that it is your turn to do the dishes, darling.
One might reasonably claim that it is your turn to do the dishes, darling.
Used here with a bit of irony to make a demand sound more humorous.
One might reasonably claim that we haven't been spending enough quality time together lately.
One might reasonably claim that we haven't been spending enough quality time together lately.
Softens a difficult truth by making it sound like a shared logical conclusion.
One might reasonably claim that instant coffee isn't actually coffee at all.
One might reasonably claim that instant coffee isn't actually coffee at all.
A strong opinion stated with an air of sophisticated authority.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a formal essay.
___ the rise of social media has fundamentally changed human interaction.
This option provides the necessary formal tone and logical distance required for academic writing.
Complete the phrase to sound logical and balanced.
One might ___ claim that the experiment was a success despite the delays.
'Reasonably' is the key adverb that suggests the claim is based on sound logic.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of Argumentative Phrases
Talking to friends
I reckon that...
Standard discussion
I think it's fair to say...
Business or Writing
It is arguable that...
High-level Academic/Legal
One might reasonably claim that...
Where to use 'One might reasonably claim that'
Academic Paper
Analyzing historical data
Boardroom
Suggesting a new strategy
Polite Debate
Discussing philosophy
Performance Review
Discussing career growth
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say I might reasonably claim that, but it sounds much more personal and slightly less authoritative than using one.
No, it's great for formal speech too! Use it in presentations or when you want to sound very persuasive in a meeting.
It adds a layer of logic. It tells the listener: 'I have thought about this carefully, and my conclusion makes sense.'
Absolutely. It shows you have a high level of English and that you can communicate complex ideas professionally.
It can if used too often. To avoid this, make sure your actual claim is supported by some facts afterward.
Only if you are being slightly funny or having a very deep, serious conversation. Otherwise, it’s a bit too stiff.
Claim suggests you are stating a fact-based position, while argue suggests you are prepared for a debate. They are very similar.
It is used in both! It might feel slightly more 'British' because of the formality, but it's common in American academic writing too.
Yes, say is a bit more casual than claim. Both work perfectly fine.
Forgetting the word that. Always follow the phrase with a full clause: One might reasonably claim that [subject] [verb]....
Expressions liées
It stands to reason that
Used to say that something is an obvious logical conclusion.
It is widely held that
Used to introduce an opinion that many people share.
Arguably
A one-word way to say that a claim can be supported by evidence.
In all likelihood
A formal way to say that something is very probable.
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