What is the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What is the reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for an explanation or justification for something. Example: "What is the reason for the delay in the project timeline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is the reason for that?

The New York Times

What is the reason for this development?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the reason for the disparity?

The New York Times

What is the reason behind this or that death?

Independent

What is the reason for Woman B's punishment?

The New Yorker

What is the reason for this glut of exits?

The Guardian

What is the reason for the psychedelic movement in Wales?

The Guardian

What is the reason you stopped McLovin' it?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the reason for such apparent national narcissism?

The Guardian - Arts

"What is the reason you chose our building?" the guard said.

The New Yorker

What is the reason for this continuing rivalry?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "What is the reason" to directly and clearly inquire about the cause or justification for a specific event, action, or decision. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "What is the reason" repeatedly in the same paragraph or conversation. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "Why is that?", "What's the explanation?", or "What prompted this?" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "What is the reason" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically used to elicit an explanation or cause for a particular event, situation, or decision. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "What is the reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative expression aimed at eliciting explanations or causes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, varying the phrasing with alternatives like "Why is that?" or "What's the explanation?" can enhance writing. Its neutral register and consistent function make it a reliable choice for clear and effective inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is the explanation

Asks for a detailed account of why something happened.

What is the cause

Focuses specifically on identifying the direct cause of something.

What's the justification

Demands a valid reason or excuse for an action or decision.

What's the rationale

Inquires about the underlying principles or logic behind a decision or action.

What is the basis

Seeks the fundamental grounds or justification for something.

On what grounds

Asks for the specific basis or reasons upon which something is based.

Why is that

This is a more concise and informal way to ask for the reason.

What prompted this

Inquires about the event or situation that triggered a particular action.

Why did this happen

Directly asks for the cause or reason behind an event.

What is the purpose

Explores the intended aim or goal behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "What is the reason" for variety?

Alternatives include "what is the cause", "what is the explanation", or simply "why is that", depending on the level of formality and context.

Is "What is the reason" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "What is the reason" is suitable for formal writing. However, for a more sophisticated tone, consider using alternatives such as "what is the rationale" or "on what grounds".

When is it better to use "Why" instead of "What is the reason"?

Using "Why" is often more direct and concise, suitable for informal situations. "What is the reason" is generally used when seeking a more detailed or formal explanation.

What's the difference between "What is the reason" and "What's the purpose"?

"What is the reason" seeks the cause or explanation for something that has already occurred or is the case. "What's the purpose" /s/what's+the+purpose, on the other hand, inquires about the intended goal or aim of something.