It is not unreasonable to
Hedging expression to soften claims
直訳: It is not against reason to
Use this to turn a personal opinion into a logical, hard-to-argue-with observation.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to say 'this makes sense.'
- Uses a double negative to soften a strong claim.
- Perfect for professional negotiations and polite complaints.
- Avoids sounding aggressive or overly emotional.
意味
This is a polite way to say something is logical or fair without sounding too aggressive. It uses a double negative to make your opinion sound like a balanced, objective fact.
主な例文
3 / 6Asking for a raise
Given my recent sales figures, it is not unreasonable to discuss a salary increase.
It makes sense for us to talk about a raise.
Complaining about a late delivery
It is not unreasonable to expect the package to arrive by the promised date.
I should have received my package on time.
Texting a friend about a busy restaurant
It’s not unreasonable to assume there will be a long wait on a Friday night.
It's logical to think it will be crowded.
文化的背景
This expression is a classic example of 'understatement,' a prized trait in British English and professional American English. It reflects a cultural preference for appearing objective and avoiding 'ego-driven' statements. It became a staple of diplomatic and corporate language in the mid-20th century to facilitate negotiation.
The Power of the Double Negative
Using 'not' + 'un-' (unreasonable) is a psychological trick. It's harder for people to say 'No, it IS unreasonable' than to just say 'I disagree.'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or trying too hard to be a lawyer. Save it for your most important points.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to say 'this makes sense.'
- Uses a double negative to soften a strong claim.
- Perfect for professional negotiations and polite complaints.
- Avoids sounding aggressive or overly emotional.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a 'soft' way to say 'I think.' Instead of saying 'You are right,' you say It is not unreasonable to agree with you. It uses two negatives (not and un-) to create a positive meaning. This is called litotes. It makes you sound thoughtful and calm. You aren't forcing your opinion on anyone. You are just saying that your idea makes sense.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of your sentence. Follow it with a verb or a claim. For example, It is not unreasonable to expect a refund. You are basically saying, 'Hey, asking for money back isn't a crazy idea.' Use it when you want to sound like the most logical person in the room. It works best when you are making a request or a prediction. It’s like wearing a suit for your words.
When To Use It
You’ll hear this a lot in offices and polite debates. Use it when you need to complain but want to stay professional. It’s perfect for a performance review or a landlord dispute. If your neighbor’s dog barks at 3 AM, you might say, It is not unreasonable to ask for some quiet. It also works when making a guess about the future. Use it when you want to sound smart and cautious.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during a romantic dinner or a high-energy party. If your friend asks if you like their new shoes, don't say It is not unreasonable to like them. You’ll sound like a robot or a lawyer. It’s too cold for emotional moments. Also, don't use it if you are 100% certain and want to be bold. If the house is on fire, don't say It is not unreasonable to leave. Just run!
Cultural Background
British and American speakers love 'hedging.' This is the art of not being too direct to avoid conflict. In English-speaking cultures, being too blunt can seem rude or uneducated. This phrase comes from a long tradition of academic and legal writing. It suggests that you have weighed all the options. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a polite nod rather than a high-five.
Common Variations
You can swap a few words to change the flavor. It’s not unfair to say is more about justice. It’s not out of the question to implies something is possible. If you want to be even more formal, try One might suggest it is not unreasonable to. But be careful—adding too many layers makes you sound like a 19th-century professor. Keep it simple enough to be understood but complex enough to be polite.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is most effective in written communication (emails, reports) or formal negotiations. In very casual settings, it can sound overly stiff or even slightly condescending if used incorrectly.
The Power of the Double Negative
Using 'not' + 'un-' (unreasonable) is a psychological trick. It's harder for people to say 'No, it IS unreasonable' than to just say 'I disagree.'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or trying too hard to be a lawyer. Save it for your most important points.
The 'British' Vibe
Even in the US, this phrase sounds slightly British. It gives you an air of 'old-world' sophistication and calm authority.
例文
6Given my recent sales figures, it is not unreasonable to discuss a salary increase.
It makes sense for us to talk about a raise.
Softens a high-stakes request to make it sound logical.
It is not unreasonable to expect the package to arrive by the promised date.
I should have received my package on time.
Expresses frustration without sounding like you are shouting.
It’s not unreasonable to assume there will be a long wait on a Friday night.
It's logical to think it will be crowded.
Adds a touch of sophisticated dry humor to a common problem.
It is not unreasonable to think the main character was dreaming the whole time.
That theory actually makes a lot of sense.
Used to validate a theory during a friendly debate.
It is not unreasonable to demand a second espresso before I start my day.
I really need another coffee right now.
Uses formal language for a trivial subject to create irony.
It is not unreasonable to want a little more communication from you.
I'm not being crazy for wanting you to talk to me.
Tries to bring logic to an emotional topic to prevent an argument.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the professional request.
It is not ___ to ask for a deadline extension if the software crashes.
We need the adjective 'unreasonable' after 'is not' to describe the action of asking.
Complete the sentence to sound more polite in a meeting.
___ to suggest that we need a bigger budget for this project.
This phrase softens the demand for money, making it more likely to be accepted.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'It is not unreasonable to'
Talking to siblings
It's fair to say...
Talking to a coworker
I think it's reasonable to...
Writing a legal letter
It is not unreasonable to...
Where to use this phrase
Salary Negotiation
...expect a bonus.
Customer Service
...ask for a refund.
Debating Politics
...worry about the economy.
Setting Boundaries
...want some privacy.
よくある質問
10 問Technically yes, but the feeling is different. It is reasonable is a direct compliment, while It is not unreasonable is a cautious agreement.
Yes, but usually only if you are being slightly sarcastic or talking about a serious topic like money or plans.
Extremely common! It is a 'safe' phrase for business emails when you want to make a demand without sounding like a bossy person.
The direct opposite would be It is completely absurd to... or It makes no sense to....
Yes, using the contraction It's makes it slightly less formal and better for spoken conversation.
No, it is actually the opposite of rude. It is designed to be very polite and non-confrontational.
Yes, it almost always starts the sentence or follows a connector like Therefore, it is not unreasonable to....
Not really. It sounds like you are being careful and logical, which often makes you seem more confident, not less.
People sometimes forget the 'un' and say It is not reasonable to..., which means the exact opposite (it's a bad idea)!
Lawyers use it constantly, but it has moved into everyday professional English. You don't need a law degree to use it.
関連フレーズ
It stands to reason that
It is logical to assume based on the facts.
It’s not unfair to say
A way to offer a criticism that you believe is justified.
Within the realms of possibility
Something that could realistically happen.
Fair enough
A casual way to show you accept someone's logic.
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