a genuine reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a genuine reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a valid or authentic justification for an action or decision. Example: "She provided a genuine reason for her absence, which was appreciated by her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Maybe there's a genuine reason for erratic driving.

Stanford University

"Personal protection" would not count as a genuine reason.

The Guardian

(This is a first: a genuine reason to feel sorry for Giles Coren).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's brilliant, a genuine reason to visit Stratford-upon-Avon in its own right.

The Guardian - Travel

Brian O'Driscoll celebrates alongside Rob Kearney 2. There's a genuine reason to follow a team 2. There's a genuine reason to follow a team You probably have a favourite NFL team, right?

Independent

In what has turned into a tortuous debut season for manager David Moyes, Januzaj offers a genuine reason for optimism.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The sender asks you to "confirm" your personal data for a seemingly genuine reason (such as your account has been suspended or you've won a contest).

Forbes

Nevertheless, let the villain have a good, genuine reason for being so mean (e.g. jealousy, alienation, revenge, protection).

WikiHow

Do we post just for attention or is there a deeper more genuine reason?

TechCrunch

"If a company has genuine reason to believe their product or ingredient or programme works then it seems appropriate to me that they should fund a trial to prove it, ideally conducted by independent scientists," she added.

BBC

But there is genuine reason for a little buzz about heavyweights now: Maskaev and the International Boxing Federation champion Wladimir Klitschko hope to lead a revival of the weight class with more entertaining fights like Maskaev's rally against Rahman.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a genuine reason", ensure that the context clearly supports the authenticity of the reason. Avoid vague language and provide specific details to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a genuine reason" without providing supporting evidence or context. Simply labeling a reason as "genuine" does not make it so; ensure the validity is apparent through the surrounding information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genuine reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It introduces a valid justification or authentic motive. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts to explain actions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a genuine reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a valid and authentic justification. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is correct, and our analysis confirms its presence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the validity and truthfulness of a reason, providing specific details to support its authenticity. Avoid simply labeling a reason as "genuine" without context, and consider alternatives like "a valid rationale" or "a legitimate motive" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid rationale

Replaces "reason" with "rationale", emphasizing a logical basis.

a legitimate motive

Substitutes "reason" with "motive", highlighting underlying intent.

a bona fide justification

Uses "bona fide" to reinforce the authenticity of the reason.

a real explanation

Emphasizes that the reason is authentic rather than fabricated.

a truthful basis

Highlights the honesty and accuracy of the reason.

a compelling ground

Suggests the reason is persuasive and convincing.

a sound argument

Presents the reason as a well-founded and logical claim.

an authentic cause

Replaces "reason" with "cause", denoting the origin or source.

a credible pretext

Offers "pretext" as a possible, believable reason (though can sometimes imply hidden motives).

a well-founded basis

Underlines the existence of a solid foundation for the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a genuine reason" to introduce a valid justification for an action or decision. For example, "She had a genuine reason for missing the meeting: a family emergency."

What are some alternatives to "a genuine reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a valid rationale", "a legitimate motive", or "a bona fide justification" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a genuine reason"?

While "reason" inherently implies a justification, using "genuine" emphasizes the authenticity and validity of that reason, which can be useful in contexts where the reason might be questioned or doubted.

What's the difference between "a genuine reason" and "a good reason"?

"A good reason" simply implies that the reason is sufficient or acceptable. "A genuine reason", on the other hand, specifically emphasizes that the reason is authentic and not fabricated.