The reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce an explanation or justification for something. Example: "The reason for the delay in the project is due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason for moving?

Independent

The reason for the hatred?

The New York Times

The reason for his nostalgia?

The New York Times

The reason for the veto?

The New Yorker

The reason for such selflessness?

The Economist

The reason for the transformation?

Independent

The reason for the shortage?

The Economist

The reason for investigating nuns?

The New York Times

The reason for the enthusiasm?

The New York Times - Sports

The reason for such directness?

The New York Times

The reason for the divergence?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "The reason for", ensure that the explanation is clear and directly addresses the subject in question. Avoid ambiguity by providing a concise and relevant explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "The reason for" followed by a vague or overly complex explanation. Ensure the subsequent explanation directly and clearly addresses the 'why' question posed by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The reason for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition, introducing an explanation or justification. Ludwig's examples show it consistently used to preface causes, motives, or purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The reason for" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. While alternatives like "the cause of" or "the rationale for" exist, understanding the specific nuance and context ensures effective communication. Be mindful to provide clear explanations when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The explanation for

Replaces "reason" with a more neutral term, focusing on clarification rather than justification.

The cause of

Highlights the direct source or origin of an event or situation.

The purpose of

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or objective behind an action or decision.

The grounds for

Indicates the justification or basis upon which a decision or action is made.

The motive behind

Emphasizes the underlying intention or desire that drives an action.

The rationale for

Focuses on the logical or reasoned justification for a particular course of action.

The justification for

Highlights the moral or ethical basis for an action or decision.

The impetus for

Stresses the driving force or initial cause that prompts an action.

The source of

Identifies the origin or root from which something arises or develops.

What explains

A more concise way of asking for the cause or reason behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "The reason for" in a sentence?

You can use "The reason for" to introduce an explanation or justification. For example, "The reason for the delay is due to unforeseen circumstances".

What's a more formal alternative to "The reason for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "the rationale for" or "the justification for".

What's the difference between "The reason for" and "The cause of"?

"The reason for" often implies intent or purpose, while "the cause of" typically refers to a direct source or origin, without necessarily implying intent.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "The reason for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "The reason for", as long as the sentence structure is complete and the explanation is clearly stated.