a reason for why

USAGE SUMMARY

'a reason for why' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to show the cause of something. For example, "He explained a reason for why he was late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These results suggest a reason for why DSA shows a higher chlorine selectivity than RuO2 and propose an experimental test of the hypothesis.

Electrochimica Acta

"We haven't been given a reason for why this has happened beyond that the arts council has demanded it.

The Guardian

If you find there's a reason for why they're acting the way they are, offer to help.

Harvard Business Review

Knowing why secrets matter in a gamespace will reveal a reason for why videogames are compelling as a brave new form of media.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Those who oppose affirmative action, for example, cite Barack Obama as a reason for why it is no longer necessary – even though he was a beneficiary of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He didn't give a reason for why he didn't, but given the judge thoroughly dismantled every argument the government put forward, maybe he couldn't stomach it.

The Guardian - Opinion

3. Research the characteristics of platinum and suggest a reason for why it was chosen as the material for the one-kilogram reference cylinder.

The New York Times

There isn't much of a reason for why these particular structures are the best, other than that the few people who benefit from them seem to like them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Oates wrote that the LA Fitness manager refused to give a reason for why he and his friend were being kicked out.

The Washington Post

"We found that this network was involved in moral decision-making in normal people, perhaps giving a reason for why brain lesions in these locations would make patients more likely to behave criminally," said Darby.

Harvard University

And also, when you're doing it that loud but you aren't doing that on every single shot, there is obviously a reason for why you're grunting like that some consistency with a grunt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reason for why" when you want to emphasize the cause or justification behind a particular event, action, or situation. Ensure the context clearly benefits from specifying the 'why' to avoid redundancy.

Common error

Avoid using "a reason for why" when a simple "reason" suffices. The addition of "why" can sometimes be redundant, so ensure it adds specific value to the sentence's clarity or emphasis. For example, prefer "the reason for the delay" over "a reason for why there was a delay" if the context is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason for why" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It introduces an explanation or justification for a particular situation. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it clarifies causes or motives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reason for why" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce explanations or justifications. While sometimes considered slightly redundant, it's prevalent across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage. When writing, be mindful of conciseness and choose "the reason for" if emphasis isn't needed. Exploring alternatives like "a rationale for why" and "a justification for why" can also enhance your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an explanation for why

Highlights a statement or account that makes something clear.

a rationale for why

Focuses on the logical basis or justification.

a justification for why

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

a basis for why

Highlights the underlying foundation or support for something.

the cause for why

Emphasizes the source or origin of something.

a purpose for why

Stresses the intended aim or function.

a motive for why

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind something.

the grounds for why

Highlights the valid reasons or justification.

the account for why

Stresses a description or report that explains something.

the intention for why

Focuses on the aim or plan behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reason for why" to introduce an explanation or justification. For instance, "He provided "a reason for why" he was late to the meeting." It's often used to explain causes or motives.

What are some alternatives to "a reason for why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a rationale for why", "a justification for why", or simply "the reason for", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a reason for why"?

Yes, the phrase "a reason for why" is grammatically correct, although some may consider it slightly redundant. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English to introduce an explanation or cause.

When should I use "a reason for why" versus "the reason for"?

Use "a reason for why" when you want to emphasize the explanation or justification. "The reason for" is more direct and concise. The choice depends on the level of emphasis and detail you want to convey. In many cases, "the reason for" is preferred for its conciseness.