a convenient reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a convenient reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a justification or explanation that is easy to accept or fits well with a particular situation. Example: "He provided a convenient reason for his absence, claiming he was stuck in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The incident could give the authoritarian military junta a convenient reason to extend her house arrest, which by some calculations is to end on May 27.

The New York Times

Miscarriages are already an overused plot device on TV, and the baby is in this case just a convenient reason why Tulip and Jesse hate Carlos so much.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Yankees announced that the injury was not serious and that he was not expected to miss any more time; it may be that the twinge provided a convenient reason for Joe Torre to give Williams -- in a bit of a slump -- the day off.

The New York Times - Sports

The question asked, deemed insensitive by journalists and authorities alike, appears a convenient reason -- or a "fantastic excuse," as Dozhd's director put it -- for authorities to get at a network that regularly reports on the opposition.

Huffington Post

Would he have preferred that Obama endorsed the Commission that, in Ryan's words, "didn't deal with the driver, which is healthcare spending?" Seems to me like whether Obama had endorsed it or not, Ryan would have had a convenient reason to beef with Obama over "leadership" and "punting".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is a convenient tactic.

The New York Times

The most convenient reason is that his Chinese is really good.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The other, far more ominous (not to mention convenient) reason is that, well, people pirated the movie!

TechCrunch

There are convenient reasons to say no, from the fear of setting a precedent of negotiating with pirates, to "breaking" what's working, or creating price transparency.

TechCrunch

Not just for the obvious, spectacularly convenient reasons that we all know about, but also when it comes to relationships.

Independent

Just as the EU and Turkey will continue to work together on counter-terrorism, the migration pact may survive: "For convenient reasons on both sides you keep it alive".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a convenient reason" when you want to suggest that a justification is not necessarily the true or complete explanation, but rather one that is easy to accept or serves a particular purpose.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a convenient reason" as it can imply a lack of transparency or even deceit. Consider providing more substantive explanations when possible to build trust and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a convenient reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or direct object. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is valid and suitable for describing a justification that is easily accepted but potentially not entirely genuine.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a convenient reason" is a noun phrase used to describe a justification that's easily accepted but potentially masks a more complex or less palatable truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its implication of potential insincerity should be considered. Using alternatives like "a handy excuse" or "a plausible explanation" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handy excuse

This alternative suggests a ready-made or easily available excuse.

a plausible explanation

This option emphasizes the believability and apparent validity of the reason.

a suitable justification

Focuses on the appropriateness and acceptability of the reason provided.

an expedient pretext

Implies the reason is used primarily for its usefulness in achieving a particular end, potentially with a negative connotation.

a facile rationalization

Suggests a superficial or oversimplified explanation.

a ready explanation

Highlights the immediate availability and ease of providing the reason.

a trumped-up charge

Indicates that the reason is fabricated or exaggerated to serve a specific agenda.

a makeshift justification

Highlights the fact that the reason is improvised and temporary.

a shallow alibi

Suggests a weak or unconvincing excuse.

a fabricated rationale

Emphasizes that the reason is deliberately invented or constructed.

FAQs

How to use "a convenient reason" in a sentence?

You can use "a convenient reason" to describe an explanation that's easily accepted but may not be the whole truth. For example, "He cited being stuck in traffic as "a convenient reason" for his lateness".

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

You can use alternatives like "a handy excuse", "a plausible explanation", or "a suitable justification" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a convenient reason" and "the real reason"?

"A convenient reason" suggests an easy or expedient explanation, while "the real reason" implies the true, underlying cause, which may be more complex or less palatable.

Is it negative to use the phrase "a convenient reason"?

It can be, as it often implies the reason given is not entirely truthful or is used to avoid a more difficult or nuanced explanation. The connotation depends heavily on context.