a reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a justification or explanation for an action or decision. Example: "She gave a reason for her absence from the meeting, explaining that she had a family emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for a reason.

The New York Times

They had a reason".

The New York Times

There was a reason.

The New York Times

Give me a reason!

The New York Times

Pick a reason.

The New York Times

There is a reason.

The New York Times

There's a reason, though.

The New Yorker

There's always a reason".

The New York Times

"It's a reason".

The New Yorker

A reason to celebrate?

The New York Times

Ms. Kagan proposed a reason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reason" to provide a clear and concise justification for an action, decision, or event. Ensure the reason directly relates to the situation being explained for clarity.

Common error

Avoid stating "a reason" without providing sufficient detail or evidence to support it. Unclear or unsupported reasons can undermine the credibility of your statement. Always elaborate on the reason to ensure it's understandable and convincing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a reason" is as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object within a sentence. This phrase introduces or refers to the justification, explanation, or cause behind an action, event, or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reason" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to introduce explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "a reason", ensure the justification is clear, specific, and supported with sufficient detail. While versatile, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider related phrases like "a cause" or "an explanation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause

Focuses on the origin or source of something, implying a direct relationship between events.

a justification

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

an explanation

Highlights the act of making something clear and understandable.

a motive

Refers to the underlying impulse or intention behind an action.

a rationale

Implies a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief.

a basis

Suggests a foundation or support for an idea or argument.

a ground

Similar to "basis", indicating a foundation or justification.

an excuse

Often implies a justification used to avoid blame or responsibility.

a pretext

Suggests a false or misleading reason used to conceal the true one.

a purpose

Focuses on the intended aim or objective of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reason" to introduce an explanation or justification for something. For example, "There is "a reason" why the project was delayed: unforeseen technical difficulties."

What phrases are similar to "a reason"?

Alternatives to "a reason" include "a cause", "a justification", or "an explanation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide "a reason"?

While not always mandatory, providing "a reason" can help clarify actions or decisions, especially when they might be questioned or misunderstood. Transparency often enhances trust and understanding.

What's the difference between "a reason" and "an excuse"?

"A reason" generally implies a genuine and valid explanation, while "an excuse" often suggests an attempt to avoid blame or responsibility, sometimes with a less convincing or truthful explanation.