a positive reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"a positive reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are looking to explain why something should be done, or when you are trying to provide a reason for why something has happened. For example: "It's important to attend the meeting, for a positive reason - to learn more about the project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But they needed a positive reason to vote for Mr Lazio.

The Economist

Abbott wants to know if Kevin Rudd can give the voters a positive reason to vote for him.

The Guardian

The author suggests that there is a positive reason for telomeres to get shorter as the cell divides.

The Economist

He urged his party to adopt a new tone, saying, "There's got to be a positive reason to support Republicans".

The New York Times

If the crown remains unclaimed, she suggests, it may be for a positive reason – namely that it is redundant.

Independent

Indeed, Jones has elsewhere argued that the contemporary abundance of anti-Darwinian prejudice is a positive reason in favour of discussing human evolution.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The line between negative retributivism and retributivism that posits a weak positive reason to punish may seem vanishingly small.

SEP

SAC and Cohen had been making headlines for the past several months for a less positive reason - namely, allegations of insider trading.

Forbes

"This was our way of using guns for a more positive reason than killing, by converting them into instruments and creating music.

Vice

Bart understands this, and so he's offering an entirely positive reason for them to get them together: to create a community where people care deeply about each other.

Huffington Post

A reduction in physical complaints after cholecystectomy was mentioned seldom by patients as a positive factor, while one would expect that disappearance of symptomatic cholecystolithiasis would be an important positive reason for resuming work activities.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a positive reason", ensure that the reason you provide genuinely offers a benefit or improvement, not just a neutral explanation. Frame it to highlight the advantageous aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "a positive reason" when the reason is merely adequate or standard. Reserve it for situations where the reason provides a clear and demonstrable advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive reason" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a cause, motive, or justification. It is used to offer an explanation that is not only valid but also advantageous or beneficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a justification with a beneficial aspect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive reason" is a noun phrase used to describe a justification that offers a benefit or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While "a positive reason" is versatile, it's important to reserve it for situations where the reason genuinely provides a clear advantage. As shown in Ludwig examples, the phrase appears across diverse sources like news media, scientific articles, and academic texts. When writing, consider alternatives like "a good cause" or "a valid justification" to better align with the specific context. Avoid overstating the positivity when a neutral explanation is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a convincing explanation

Focuses on the ability of the reason to persuade or satisfy.

a valid justification

Highlights the legitimacy and acceptability of the explanation.

a sound basis

Stresses the reliability and firmness of the foundation or reason.

a strong rationale

Emphasizes the logical and coherent basis for something.

a legitimate ground

Highlights the lawfulness and permissibility of the reason.

a good cause

Focuses on the moral or ethical justification rather than a simple explanation.

an encouraging factor

Highlights the aspect that promotes hope or confidence.

a compelling motive

Highlights the driving force or incentive behind an action.

a constructive purpose

Emphasizes the positive and helpful aim or intent.

a beneficial aspect

Shifts the focus to the advantageous or helpful side of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a positive reason" to introduce a justification that presents a beneficial or favorable aspect. For example, "There's "a positive reason" to invest in renewable energy: it reduces our carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "a positive reason"?

Consider using phrases like "a good cause", "a valid justification", or "a convincing explanation" depending on the specific context.

What distinguishes "a positive reason" from a neutral explanation?

"A positive reason" implies that the justification offers a tangible benefit or advantage, whereas a neutral explanation simply clarifies why something is the way it is without necessarily being beneficial.

Is it always appropriate to use "a positive reason"?

No, it's most suitable when the reason genuinely presents a favorable aspect or improvement. Avoid using it when the reason is merely adequate or standard; otherwise, it might sound overstated.