C2 Expression Formal 5 min read

Following this reasoning

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal bridge connecting one logical point to the next conclusion.
  • Best used in academic writing, professional meetings, and serious debates.
  • Requires a previous statement of fact or logic to function correctly.
  • Signals high-level C2 English proficiency and structural clarity.

Meaning

This phrase acts as a logical bridge. It signals that you are taking a previous point or piece of evidence and applying that same logic to reach a new conclusion or next step. It shows a deep, step-by-step connection between ideas.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Professional meeting

The market is saturated, and following this reasoning, we should target a niche audience.

The market is saturated, and following this reasoning, we should target a niche audience.

2

Academic essay

The experiment failed twice; following this reasoning, the hypothesis must be revised.

The experiment failed twice; following this reasoning, the hypothesis must be revised.

3

Tech support chat

Your laptop screen is cracked; following this reasoning, you will need a full display replacement.

Your laptop screen is cracked; following this reasoning, you will need a full display replacement.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Western universities, 'following this reasoning' is part of the 'linear' argument style. Students are graded on their ability to show a clear, step-by-step logical progression. Legal 'precedent' relies on this phrase. If a previous case was decided one way, then 'following this reasoning,' the current case should be decided similarly. Tech leaders often use this phrase to sound 'first-principles' oriented. It suggests they are thinking like engineers, building from a base logic. It is a 'power phrase' in competitive debate. It is used to force an opponent to accept an uncomfortable conclusion based on their own words.

🎯

The 'Syllogism' Trick

Use this phrase to sound like a philosopher. State a general rule, then a specific fact, then use 'Following this reasoning' to deliver the conclusion.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

In a 1000-word essay, only use this once or twice. Overuse makes your writing feel heavy and repetitive.

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal bridge connecting one logical point to the next conclusion.
  • Best used in academic writing, professional meetings, and serious debates.
  • Requires a previous statement of fact or logic to function correctly.
  • Signals high-level C2 English proficiency and structural clarity.

What It Means

Ever watched a detective connect dots on a map? They use logic to find the killer. Following this reasoning is that red string. It connects two ideas perfectly. You use it when one fact leads to another. It shows you are thinking deeply. It’s not just a guess. It’s a calculated step forward. It feels very intellectual. People will think you’re a genius. Or at least very organized. It’s like saying, "Since A is true, B must be true."

How To Use It

Start your sentence with it. It acts like a bridge. You need a first point first. Then you drop the phrase. Finally, add your conclusion. For example: "The server is down. Following this reasoning, we cannot work." It sounds much better than "So." Use a comma after the phrase. It gives the listener a pause. This pause builds anticipation. It’s like a drumroll for your brain. Don't use it for small things. "It’s raining. Following this reasoning, I need an umbrella." That's too dramatic. Save it for big ideas.

Formality & Register

This phrase is quite fancy. It lives in the C2 level world. You'll find it in essays. Or in very serious meetings. Don't use it at a pub. Your friends might think you're a robot. It belongs in a courtroom. Or a scientific journal. It is definitely formal. On the scale of 1 to 10? It’s an 11. It’s the tuxedo of English phrases. Even a Zoom call feels like a gala with this. Use it to impress your boss. Just don't use it with your cat. They won't appreciate the logic.

Real-Life Examples

Think about a tech support chat. "Your battery is old. Following this reasoning, it needs replacement." Or consider a legal document. "The witness was lying. Following this reasoning, the case is weak." You see it in long YouTube video essays. The ones about movie theories. "The hero never died. Following this reasoning, a sequel is coming." It’s all about the logical flow. It appears in high-level AI prompts too. You want the AI to be logical. So you tell it to follow a specific reasoning. It works like a charm.

When To Use It

Use it during a job interview. It shows you have a sharp mind. Use it when writing a cover letter. It makes your argument look solid. Use it when you disagree politely. "I see your point. But following this reasoning, the cost is too high." It makes your disagreement sound professional. It's great for academic writing. Professors love logical transitions. Use it when explaining a complex bug. Your developers will understand the flow. It’s perfect for LinkedIn articles. You’ll sound like a thought leader instantly.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid it in casual texts. "I’m hungry. Following this reasoning, I’ll buy pizza." That sounds incredibly weird. Your friends will think you’re joking. Or that you’ve read too many books. Don't use it for obvious things. "The sun is up. Following this reasoning, it is day." Captain Obvious doesn't need this phrase. Avoid it if the logic is weak. It won't save a bad argument. It only highlights the mistake. Don't use it more than once. It gets repetitive very fast. Once per meeting is enough.

Common Mistakes

Many people say Following this reason. That is a bit off. You need the ing at the end. Reasoning is the process. Reason is just the cause. Another mistake is Followed by this reasoning. This means something else entirely. It implies a sequence of time. Not a sequence of logic. ✗ Following this reason → ✓ Following this reasoning. ✗ Followed this reasoning → ✓ Following this reasoning. Don't forget the comma. It’s the glue of the sentence. Without it, the sentence falls apart. Like a sandwich without bread.

Common Variations

You can say By this logic. That is a bit shorter. It’s also slightly more casual. Based on this line of thought is another. That one is very wordy. Use it if you get paid per word. Consequently is a single word version. It is very formal too. In light of this is a bit softer. It feels more like an observation. Therefore is the classic choice. But it lacks the "process" vibe. Following this reasoning emphasizes the path you took. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: "The data shows users hate the new UI."

Speaker B: "Following this reasoning, we should revert to the old one."

Speaker A: "Exactly, let's start the rollback."

This shows a smooth professional interaction.

Speaker C: "If we skip the gym, we save an hour."

Speaker D: "Following this reasoning, we can sleep more."

Speaker C: "I like your logic, let's go back to bed."

Here, it adds a bit of mock-seriousness. It’s a funny way to be lazy. It makes the conversation feel smarter. Even if the topic is sleep.

Quick FAQ

Is it okay for IELTS writing? Yes, it’s perfect. It helps you get those high bands. Can I say Following these reasonings? No, keep it singular. Reasoning is an uncountable concept here. Is it too formal for an email? Not if the email is serious. If you’re emailing your CEO, go for it. If you’re emailing a close teammate, maybe skip it. Can I use it to start a paragraph? Absolutely. It’s a great transition word. Does it mean the same as So? Basically, but with way more style. It’s like comparing a bike to a Ferrari.

Usage Notes

Use this phrase to show high-level logical cohesion. It belongs in formal registers like academic writing or corporate meetings. Be careful not to use 'reason' instead of 'reasoning', and always follow with a comma.

🎯

The 'Syllogism' Trick

Use this phrase to sound like a philosopher. State a general rule, then a specific fact, then use 'Following this reasoning' to deliver the conclusion.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

In a 1000-word essay, only use this once or twice. Overuse makes your writing feel heavy and repetitive.

Examples

10
#1 Professional meeting

The market is saturated, and following this reasoning, we should target a niche audience.

The market is saturated, and following this reasoning, we should target a niche audience.

Connects a market observation to a strategic decision.

#2 Academic essay

The experiment failed twice; following this reasoning, the hypothesis must be revised.

The experiment failed twice; following this reasoning, the hypothesis must be revised.

Shows the logical consequence of scientific results.

#3 Tech support chat

Your laptop screen is cracked; following this reasoning, you will need a full display replacement.

Your laptop screen is cracked; following this reasoning, you will need a full display replacement.

Explains a repair necessity based on physical damage.

#4 Instagram caption about travel

Flights are cheaper on Tuesdays. Following this reasoning, I'm heading to Paris tonight!

Flights are cheaper on Tuesdays. Following this reasoning, I'm heading to Paris tonight!

Uses formal logic for a fun, casual life update.

#5 Job interview

I noticed your company values innovation. Following this reasoning, my background in R&D is a perfect fit.

I noticed your company values innovation. Following this reasoning, my background in R&D is a perfect fit.

Aligns personal skills with company values logically.

#6 Debating a movie theory

Batman never sleeps. Following this reasoning, he must drink a lot of coffee.

Batman never sleeps. Following this reasoning, he must drink a lot of coffee.

Applies logic to a fictional character in a humorous way.

Mistake Example Common Mistake

✗ Following this reason, the price is too high. → ✓ Following this reasoning, the price is too high.

✗ Following this reason, the price is too high. → ✓ Following this reasoning, the price is too high.

Confusing the noun 'reason' with the process 'reasoning'.

Mistake Example Common Mistake

✗ Followed by this reasoning, we win. → ✓ Following this reasoning, we win.

✗ Followed by this reasoning, we win. → ✓ Following this reasoning, we win.

Incorrect verb form; 'followed by' implies time sequence, not logic.

#9 Discussing a budget cut

We can't afford the rent. Following this reasoning, moving to a smaller office is mandatory.

We can't afford the rent. Following this reasoning, moving to a smaller office is mandatory.

States a necessary financial conclusion.

#10 A heartfelt letter

You always supported me. Following this reasoning, I know you'll be there for my big day.

You always supported me. Following this reasoning, I know you'll be there for my big day.

Uses logic to express emotional trust.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

The data suggests that remote work increases productivity. __________, we should allow employees to work from home two days a week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Following this reasoning

The phrase requires the present participle 'following' and the singular 'reasoning' to act as a logical bridge.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If all men are mortal and Socrates is a man, then, following this reasoning, Socrates is mortal.

This is a classic syllogism where the phrase correctly bridges the premises to the conclusion.

Match the logic to the conclusion using 'Following this reasoning'.

Premise: 'The city wants to reduce carbon emissions.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Conclusion: They should subsidize electric vehicles.

Subsidizing EVs is a logical extension of wanting to reduce emissions.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank B2

The data suggests that remote work increases productivity. __________, we should allow employees to work from home two days a week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Following this reasoning

The phrase requires the present participle 'following' and the singular 'reasoning' to act as a logical bridge.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context? Choose C1

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If all men are mortal and Socrates is a man, then, following this reasoning, Socrates is mortal.

This is a classic syllogism where the phrase correctly bridges the premises to the conclusion.

Match the logic to the conclusion using 'Following this reasoning'. situation_matching B1

Premise: 'The city wants to reduce carbon emissions.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Conclusion: They should subsidize electric vehicles.

Subsidizing EVs is a logical extension of wanting to reduce emissions.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

Not exactly. 'Therefore' just shows a result. 'Following this reasoning' specifically points back to the *logic* used to get that result.

Yes, if you are explaining a decision or a proposal. It sounds professional and well-thought-out.

Always use the singular 'reasoning' unless you are comparing two completely different systems of logic.

Related Phrases

🔗

By this logic

similar

Using the same logical framework.

🔗

In light of this

builds on

Considering this new information.

🔄

Consequently

synonym

As a result.

🔗

Extrapolating from this

specialized form

Projecting a trend into the future.

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