It is reasonable to think
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this to present your opinion as a logical conclusion while remaining open to other perspectives.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to state a logical opinion or prediction.
- Softens claims to avoid sounding too aggressive or stubborn.
- Perfect for professional meetings, essays, and calm debates.
Significado
This phrase is a polite way to suggest an idea without sounding too aggressive or 100% certain. It helps you sound logical and open to other people's opinions while still making your point.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6In a business meeting about sales
It is reasonable to think that our revenue will grow next quarter.
It is reasonable to think that our revenue will grow next quarter.
Discussing a friend's late arrival
It is reasonable to think she got stuck in traffic.
It is reasonable to think she got stuck in traffic.
Writing an academic essay
It is reasonable to think that climate change will impact coastal cities first.
It is reasonable to think that climate change will impact coastal cities first.
Contexto cultural
This expression is a classic example of 'hedging' in English-speaking cultures, where appearing overly certain can be seen as aggressive. It originated in philosophical and legal discourse to describe conclusions reached through sound judgment. Today, it is a staple of 'corporate-speak' used to maintain a professional distance from risky predictions.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow the phrase with the word `that` to make your sentence flow perfectly. For example: `It is reasonable to think THAT...`
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase for every single sentence, you will sound like an AI. Save it for your most important logical points!
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to state a logical opinion or prediction.
- Softens claims to avoid sounding too aggressive or stubborn.
- Perfect for professional meetings, essays, and calm debates.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a safety net for your opinions. It tells people that your conclusion is based on logic. It says, 'I have thought about this, and my idea makes sense.' However, it also leaves a tiny bit of room for you to be wrong. It is the opposite of being stubborn. You are inviting others to agree with your logic rather than just following your orders.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence. Follow it with that and then your main point. For example: It is reasonable to think that the train will be late. You can also use it to respond to someone else. If a friend suggests a plan, you can say, 'Yes, that is reasonable to think.' It makes you sound like a very balanced and thoughtful person. Just don't use it for things that are 100% facts, like your own name!
When To Use It
This is perfect for the office or academic writing. Use it when you are analyzing data or predicting the future. It works great in a meeting when you want to disagree politely. It’s also useful when talking to a partner about chores. Instead of saying 'You forgot the dishes,' try It is reasonable to think you would have finished them by now. It sounds much less like a fight and more like a logical observation. Use it when you want to sound like the 'adult in the room.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in high-energy or emergency situations. If the house is on fire, don't say, It is reasonable to think we should leave. Just run! Also, do not use it for very personal feelings. If you tell your date, It is reasonable to think I love you, they might think you are a robot. It is too cold for deep emotions. It can also sound a bit 'know-it-all' if you use it too many times in one conversation.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, value 'hedging.' This is the art of not being too direct. Being too direct can sometimes seem rude or arrogant. This phrase comes from a history of logical debate and scientific discussion. It reflects a culture that prizes objective reasoning over emotional outbursts. It’s the verbal equivalent of wearing a nice blazer—it’s professional, clean, and fits almost anywhere.
Common Variations
You might hear people say It stands to reason or It is logical to assume. If you want to be even softer, try It might be reasonable to think. In casual speech, people often shorten it to Fair enough or That makes sense. If you want to sound more formal, you can say One might reasonably conclude. All of these are tools to help you navigate the tricky waters of human interaction without causing a splash.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits in the 'Formal to Neutral' register. It is a powerful tool for softening claims in business and academic settings. Avoid using it in highly emotional or intimate personal conversations to prevent sounding detached.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow the phrase with the word `that` to make your sentence flow perfectly. For example: `It is reasonable to think THAT...`
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase for every single sentence, you will sound like an AI. Save it for your most important logical points!
The British Understatement
In the UK, this phrase is often used to mean 'You are wrong, but I am being too polite to say it directly.' Watch the speaker's eyes!
Exemplos
6It is reasonable to think that our revenue will grow next quarter.
It is reasonable to think that our revenue will grow next quarter.
The speaker is making a prediction based on data without overpromising.
It is reasonable to think she got stuck in traffic.
It is reasonable to think she got stuck in traffic.
Giving someone the benefit of the doubt using logic.
It is reasonable to think that climate change will impact coastal cities first.
It is reasonable to think that climate change will impact coastal cities first.
Used to introduce a hypothesis in a scholarly way.
It is reasonable to think you ate my leftovers, Dave.
It is reasonable to think you ate my leftovers, Dave.
Using formal logic to make a funny accusation.
It is reasonable to think he's just going through a phase.
It is reasonable to think he's just going through a phase.
Trying to find a logical comfort in a stressful situation.
It is reasonable to think the hotel will be crowded in July.
It is reasonable to think the hotel will be crowded in July.
Stating a common-sense fact politely.
Teste-se
Choose the best completion for a professional context.
___ that the project will require more funding than we initially planned.
This option provides a professional 'hedge' that sounds logical rather than impulsive or rude.
Identify the most appropriate situation for this phrase.
When should you use 'It is reasonable to think'?
The phrase is best suited for scenarios where logic and evidence are being discussed.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Hierarchy
I reckon...
I reckon it'll rain.
I think that...
I think it will rain.
It is reasonable to think...
It is reasonable to think it will rain.
One might reasonably posit...
One might reasonably posit that precipitation is imminent.
Where to use 'It is reasonable to think'
Office Meetings
Discussing strategy
Academic Writing
Proposing a theory
Polite Disagreement
Correcting a friend
Predicting Trends
Market analysis
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all! While it's great for essays, you can use it in spoken English whenever you want to sound thoughtful or persuasive.
Yes, believe is a perfect synonym. It sounds slightly more personal, whereas think sounds more analytical.
Yes, but use it sparingly. It’s best for serious discussions, like talking about politics or planning a big trip.
It makes you sound 'carefully certain.' It shows you have evidence but aren't being arrogant about it.
The opposite would be something very direct like It is obvious that or There is no doubt that.
Yes, you can say It was reasonable to think... when talking about a mistake someone made in the past based on the info they had.
Simply flip it: Is it reasonable to think that...? This is a very polite way to ask for someone's opinion.
They are very close. Reasonable implies that a normal, sensible person would agree with you.
Yes! It is reasonable to think that a $100 steak would be cooked correctly is a very high-class way to complain at a restaurant.
Yes, it is very common in American professional and legal environments.
Frases relacionadas
It stands to reason
It is logical and clear to see.
One could argue
A way to present a theory that others might disagree with.
Fair to assume
A slightly more casual way to say something is likely true.
All things considered
Taking all facts into account before making a judgment.
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis