It is reasonable to suppose
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to present a logical guess politely while maintaining a professional and objective tone.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to suggest a logical conclusion without sounding bossy.
- Used to 'hedge' claims and avoid being 100% responsible for errors.
- Best for professional meetings, academic writing, or calm logical debates.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to say 'I think this is true, but I don't want to sound too bossy or 100% certain.' It uses logic to suggest a conclusion without being aggressive.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a project delay in a meeting
It is reasonable to suppose that the budget cuts will affect our timeline.
It makes sense to think that the budget cuts will change our schedule.
Wondering why a friend hasn't texted back
It is reasonable to suppose she's still in her yoga class.
I can logically assume she is still at yoga.
Writing a formal report about market trends
It is reasonable to suppose that prices will stabilize by next quarter.
We can logically expect prices to stay the same soon.
文化的背景
This expression is rooted in the British and academic tradition of 'hedging,' which prioritizes intellectual humility. It became a staple of 20th-century analytical philosophy and legal writing to avoid making unsubstantiated claims. Today, it signals that the speaker is a careful, logical thinker who respects the complexity of a situation.
The 'That' Connector
Always remember to follow the phrase with `that`. It acts like a bridge to your main point. `It is reasonable to suppose THAT...`
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century professor. Save it for your most important logical points.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to suggest a logical conclusion without sounding bossy.
- Used to 'hedge' claims and avoid being 100% responsible for errors.
- Best for professional meetings, academic writing, or calm logical debates.
What It Means
It is reasonable to suppose is a sophisticated way of making a guess. You are saying that based on the facts, your idea makes sense. It is like saying 'I'm pretty sure, but I'm leaving a little room for error.' It moves the focus from your personal opinion to logical thinking.
How To Use It
Use this phrase at the start of a sentence to introduce a theory. Follow it with the word that to connect your logic. For example: It is reasonable to suppose that the train is late due to the snow. It sounds much smarter than just saying 'I guess.' It makes you sound like a detective or a careful thinker. Don't use it for things you are totally certain about. Use it when you are connecting dots in your head.
When To Use It
You will mostly hear this in meetings or academic writing. It is perfect for when you need to suggest a cause for a problem. Use it when you want to sound objective and calm. In a restaurant, you might use it if your food is taking forever. 'It is reasonable to suppose they are busy in the kitchen.' It shows you are being patient and logical. It is great for avoiding arguments because it sounds so balanced.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in high-energy or very casual moments. If your house is on fire, don't say 'It is reasonable to suppose we should leave.' Just run! It is too wordy for texting your best friend about lunch. If you use it while grabbing a burger, you might sound like a robot. Also, avoid it if you have 100% proof. If you see rain, don't 'suppose' it is raining. Just say it is raining.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and East Coast US, love 'hedging.' This means we avoid being too direct to stay polite. Being too certain can sometimes seem rude or arrogant. This phrase comes from a tradition of logical debate and 'understatement.' It reflects a culture that values cool-headedness over emotional outbursts. It is the language of the 'gentleman scholar' or the careful diplomat.
Common Variations
You can swap a few words to change the flavor. It stands to reason is a bit stronger and more confident. One might assume is slightly more formal and distant. It is fair to say is a very common cousin used in British English. If you want to be even softer, try It would be reasonable to suppose. Adding would makes it even more polite and cautious.
使い方のコツ
This is a high-level (C1) expression. It is perfect for professional settings, debates, and formal writing. Be careful not to use it in very casual settings unless you are aiming for a humorous, overly-intellectual tone.
The 'That' Connector
Always remember to follow the phrase with `that`. It acts like a bridge to your main point. `It is reasonable to suppose THAT...`
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century professor. Save it for your most important logical points.
The Art of Hedging
In English culture, being 'too sure' can be seen as aggressive. Using this phrase makes you look like a team player who values other opinions.
例文
6It is reasonable to suppose that the budget cuts will affect our timeline.
It makes sense to think that the budget cuts will change our schedule.
Softens the bad news by making it sound like a logical necessity.
It is reasonable to suppose she's still in her yoga class.
I can logically assume she is still at yoga.
Shows the speaker is being patient rather than annoyed.
It is reasonable to suppose that prices will stabilize by next quarter.
We can logically expect prices to stay the same soon.
Protects the writer if the prediction turns out to be wrong.
Given the state of the kitchen, it is reasonable to suppose a raccoon has moved in.
Looking at this mess, I guess a raccoon lives here now.
Uses formal language for a silly situation to create irony.
It is reasonable to suppose they just weren't the right fit for your talents.
It's logical to think they didn't deserve your skills.
Uses logic to provide emotional comfort and distance from the hurt.
It is reasonable to suppose the file was moved to the shared drive.
I'm guessing the file is on the shared drive.
Professional but slightly stiff for a text; shows careful thought.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete this logical suggestion.
It is reasonable to ___ that the store is closed on a public holiday.
`Suppose` is the standard word used in this formal construction to indicate logical inference.
Complete the phrase used to soften a claim in a meeting.
___ reasonable to suppose that we need more data.
The phrase always starts with the dummy subject `It` followed by the verb `is`.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale of Making Assumptions
I reckon / I guess
I guess he forgot.
I assume / I think
I assume the meeting is on.
It is reasonable to suppose
It is reasonable to suppose the meeting is delayed.
When to Use 'It is reasonable to suppose'
Business Strategy
Predicting competitor moves.
Academic Writing
Interpreting research data.
Polite Disagreement
Correcting someone gently.
Legal/Official
Stating a likely fact.
よくある質問
10 問Not really. It is quite formal. You would use it in a presentation or a serious discussion, but rarely while buying coffee.
Yes, It is reasonable to think is a slightly less formal version. It means the same thing but feels a bit more natural in conversation.
No, it specifically means you are NOT 100% sure. It means your guess is based on good reasons, but it's still a guess.
Absolutely! It is a classic 'academic' phrase. It shows you are being careful with your claims, which professors love.
Only if you are being funny or ironic. Otherwise, it might make you sound a bit too serious or 'extra' for a quick text.
I assume is personal and direct. It is reasonable to suppose makes the assumption sound like it comes from logic rather than just you.
It is used in both, but it feels slightly more 'British' because of the emphasis on politeness and indirectness.
Yes, it is an excellent 'transition' phrase to start a paragraph that analyzes a cause or effect.
Forgetting the word it. You cannot say 'Is reasonable to suppose.' You must always start with It is.
In this context, yes. But suppose sounds like you have used your brain, while guess sounds like you are picking a random answer.
関連フレーズ
It stands to reason
It is obvious or logically necessary.
One could argue
A formal way to present a specific viewpoint.
It is fair to assume
A slightly more confident way of making a logical guess.
Presumably
A one-word way to say you think something is true based on probability.
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