a reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a justification or explanation for why something happened or why something exists. For example, "He gave me a reason for being late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a reason for this.

The New York Times

That is a reason for renewed interest.

The New Yorker

There was a reason for that.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a reason for his fatigue.

The New Yorker

There could be a reason for this.

Independent

That is a reason for optimism.

The Economist

And there is a reason for that.

The New York Times

There is a reason for this.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a reason for this.

The New York Times

But there is a reason for that.

The New York Times

They had a reason for being last.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a synonym for "a reason for" if you want to make your text more interesting.

Common error

Avoid using "the reason why" when "the reason" suffices. "The reason why" is often redundant; simply stating "the reason" is more concise and grammatically sound. For instance, instead of "The reason why he left is unknown", write "The reason he left is unknown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an explanation or justification for something. Ludwig examples show it connecting an action or state to its underlying cause. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reason for" serves to provide explanations and justifications for various actions, events, or states. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common across multiple contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and is supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While synonymous alternatives exist, such as "a rationale for" and "a cause for", "a reason for" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. Avoiding redundancy with "the reason why" and ensuring contextual clarity are key best practices when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rationale for

Emphasizes a more formal or official justification.

a cause for

Highlights the event or situation that leads to a particular outcome.

a motive for

Focuses on the underlying intention or purpose behind an action.

an explanation for

Directly offers a clarifying account of why something happened.

a justification for

Implies a need to defend or legitimize an action or decision.

a basis for

Suggests a foundational element supporting a claim or argument.

grounds for

Presents the legal or factual basis for a particular action or decision.

an excuse for

Often used to minimize or downplay a mistake or wrongdoing.

the purpose of

Highlights the intended outcome or goal of something.

the point of

Focuses on the significance or value of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a reason for" to introduce an explanation or justification. For example, "There is "a reason for" the delay" or "She had "a reason for" her actions".

What are some alternatives to "a reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "a rationale for", "a cause for", or "a motive for" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the reason why" instead of "a reason for"?

While "the reason why" is commonly used, it can be redundant. "A reason for" is often more concise and grammatically preferable. However, "the reason why" isn't always incorrect, just potentially wordy.

What's the difference between ""a reason for"" and "a purpose for"?

"A reason for" typically explains why something happened or exists, while "a purpose for" describes the intended goal or function of something. They're similar but focus on different aspects.