a conceivable reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conceivable reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason that is possible or imaginable within a certain context. Example: "There may be a conceivable reason for his sudden departure that we have yet to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A conceivable reason for this effect could be a change of the polymer surface or bulk properties due to interaction with the plasma in the initial phase of the deposition process.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A reduction in fluid absorption in the endolymphatic sac presents a conceivable reason for the enlargement of the cochlear lumen.

Plosone

The use of a coaxial system could be in itself a conceivable reason for the occurrence of an air embolism.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

A conceivable reason for this is that the reindeer husbandry is more in question in the southern parts, and is put under larger pressure from the majority population to used grazing land for other purposes than reindeer herding (i.e. forestry, tourism, energy, and mineral production).

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The thing with peremptory strikes is that lawyers can use them to challenge potential jurors for almost any conceivable reason -- except a discriminatory reason, like race or gender.

Huffington Post

"I can't imagine any conceivable reason for withholding the grant on the basis of the subject matter of the play," Mr. Kushner said yesterday.

The New York Times

A company should develop data points in their CRM that cover almost every conceivable reason a lead did or didn't close.

Forbes

Not that being Mrs Oyelowo isn't the sort of enviable state of affairs any woman might wish to publicise loudly from the nearest rooftop, but surely the only conceivable reason for an English rose to assume a surname as ill-fitting as the Nigerian Oyelowo is if Jessica's maiden name had been Rabbit.

The Guardian

And that if those profits don't materialize as expected, you have a right to join one of those class action lawsuits, because the only conceivable reason for such an eventuality is that corporate malfeasance, right?

The Guardian - Money

Early on in doing my PhD, roughly around the time I set up an experiment for the 20th time that failed to work for no conceivable reason, I realised that a future in scientific research was perhaps not for me.

Science Magazine

John Carey of the Sunday Times, wrote of one sister, Angela ("a born parasite"), that "the only conceivable reason for recording her life at all is that she was Daphne du Maurier's sister".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conceivable reason" when you want to introduce a possible explanation or justification that may not be immediately obvious but is worth considering. It's useful for exploring different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a conceivable reason" excessively in highly formal or academic contexts where stronger, more definitive language is expected. Opt for phrases like "a primary cause" or "the main justification" when the context requires a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conceivable reason" functions as a noun phrase, introducing a potential explanation or justification. It suggests that a reason is within the realm of possibility and can be imagined or understood. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often prefaces an explanation for an event or phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conceivable reason" is a phrase used to introduce a potential explanation or justification that is within the realm of possibility. Ludwig's examples indicate that it's commonly found in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI categorizes this as correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it should be used judiciously, especially in highly formal contexts where more assertive language may be preferred. Alternatives like "a plausible explanation" or "a possible cause" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible explanation

Focuses on the understandability and believability of the reason.

a possible cause

Highlights the potential origin or trigger of an event or situation.

a potential justification

Emphasizes the aspect of defending or rationalizing an action or decision.

a likely rationale

Suggests the reason is probable and well-founded.

an imaginable motive

Points to a purpose or intent that can be readily envisioned.

a credible basis

Implies that the reason is believable and trustworthy.

a reasonable ground

Highlights the logical and justifiable nature of the reason.

a tenable argument

Suggests the reason can be defended and maintained against criticism.

a supportable premise

Focuses on the reason as a foundation for further reasoning or action.

a valid pretext

Highlights the reason as a justification, which may or may not be the real one.

FAQs

What does "a conceivable reason" mean?

The phrase "a conceivable reason" refers to a reason that is possible to imagine or believe, even if it's not immediately obvious or certain.

How can I use "a conceivable reason" in a sentence?

You can use "a conceivable reason" to introduce a potential explanation or justification. For example: "A conceivable reason for the delay could be unforeseen technical difficulties."

What can I say instead of "a conceivable reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a plausible explanation", "a possible cause", or "a potential justification" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a conceivable reason" and "a possible reason"?

"A conceivable reason" implies that the reason is imaginable or understandable, while "a possible reason" simply suggests that the reason is not impossible. The former carries a slightly stronger connotation of plausibility.