a higher reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"a higher reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a deeper or more significant purpose or justification for something. For example: - Despite facing criticism, the author stood by his decisions, citing a higher reason for his choices. - The athlete's dedication and hard work were driven by a higher reason: the dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. - The organization's mission statement emphasizes their commitment to serving with a higher reason in mind, rather than solely for profit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"But I know this is for a higher reason, a better cause.

The New Yorker

Its ultimate creation could be a higher reason, a more human community, & a new & liberated individual.

The New Yorker

Whatever he thought he was telling us, Wagner was actually telling us: love who you want, regardless of social norms, and if you must suppress your feelings, do it knowingly, and for a higher reason.

The Guardian - Music

I was born for a higher reason, and all his angels I am pleasing.

Los Angeles Times

Center your life in God or in a higher reason like truth, love, inner happiness or enlightenment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In this sense, service members are like athletes who also report performance enhancement as a high frequency reason for DS use [ 113- 115].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

And he'd rather have a campaign with a higher ratio of reasoned argument to crazed ideology.

The New Yorker

Dr. Powell said I.G.R.T. is billed at a higher rate for a reason: "More work is certainly involved".

The New York Times

Is the reason a higher brain compliance in young patients?

Critical Care

An M.Eng. is well worth your investment of time and money for two important reasons: a higher salary and a more rewarding career.

Cornell University

Also, we wanted to test a smaller and a higher damping factor for reasons mentioned before.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a higher reason" to convey that actions are motivated by something beyond immediate or obvious benefits. It suggests a deeper, often more ethical or spiritual, purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a higher reason" when a simpler explanation suffices. Overusing the phrase can make motivations seem unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Ensure the context genuinely warrants a more profound justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a more significant purpose or justification. The examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts where actions are driven by motivations beyond the obvious.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a higher reason" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a profound or significant purpose behind an action or decision. As Ludwig AI points out, it goes beyond immediate motivations, often implying ethical or spiritual considerations. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies invoking a deeper, more complex motivation, avoiding overuse and maintaining clarity. Alternatives like "a greater purpose" or "a nobler cause" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater purpose

Emphasizes the magnitude and significance of the underlying aim.

a deeper meaning

Highlights the profound and often hidden significance behind an action or event.

a nobler cause

Suggests a morally superior or more virtuous motivation.

a loftier goal

Implies an ambition that is elevated and aspirational.

an ultimate justification

Focuses on the final and most compelling reason for something.

a more significant motive

Highlights the importance and weight of the driving force.

a superior rationale

Indicates a better or more convincing reason.

a profound rationale

Emphasizes a deeply thought-out and meaningful reason.

a transcendent purpose

Implies a purpose that goes beyond ordinary or material concerns.

a fundamental principle

Highlights a core belief or value that serves as the primary reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a higher reason" to explain a motivation that is more profound than the surface level. For example, "She volunteered despite the personal cost, driven by "a higher reason" to serve her community."

What are some alternatives to "a higher reason"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a greater purpose", "a deeper meaning", or "a nobler cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a higher reason"?

It's appropriate when describing actions or decisions motivated by ethical, spiritual, or deeply held values, rather than just personal gain or convenience. For example, risking one's life to save another could be seen as motivated by "a higher reason".

Is "a higher reason" the same as "a higher power"?

No, "a higher reason" refers to a deeper justification or purpose, while "a higher power" typically refers to a divine or supernatural entity. While the former can be connected to spirituality, they are not interchangeable concepts.