Reasonable describes a fair or sensible judgment, person or request, or an amount within acceptable limits.

The idea

Place reasonable before a noun, as in a reasonable price, or after a linking verb, as in the price is reasonable. Use it is reasonable to ask for a sensible action.

Examples

  • The landlord offered a reasonable rent for the small flat.
  • It is reasonable to ask for more time when the instructions are unclear.
  • Mina gave a reasonable explanation for the delay.
  • Our manager listened to both sides and made a reasonable decision.
  • The repair should take a reasonable amount of time, not several weeks.
  • Even when they disagree, my neighbours are reasonable about sharing the garden.

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Watch out

A reasonable price is acceptable in context; it is not necessarily cheap. What counts as reasonable depends on the circumstances.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the best answer. The fee is fair for the service, so it is ___. (reasonable / impossible)

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    reasonable

    Reasonable fits because the fee is fair for the service.

  2. Choose the best answer. The proposal considers everyone’s needs. Is it reasonable? (yes / no)

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    yes

    Yes: considering everyone’s needs supports a fair proposal.

  3. Choose the best answer. Choose the natural phrase: It is reasonable ___ a refund. (to request / requesting)

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    to request

    To request completes the pattern after it is reasonable.

Use it today

Describe a reasonable request and explain why it is fair.