a reason that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce an explanation or justification for something. Example: "There is a reason that we need to change our approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a reason that was created".

The New York Times - Arts

She went there for a reason that is unknown".

The New York Times

They collapsed for a reason that looms once more: deflation.

The Economist

I agree with Norman Ravitch, and for a reason that may shock many of you.

Princeton University

There's a reason that may sound familiar: AMD executives made the same claim five years ago.

Forbes

There's a reason that "made without gluten" has taken off.

HuffPost

A "public reason" means a reason that benefits the public generally, not particular people individually.

Huffington Post

There's a reason that "food" rhymes with "nude".

WikiHow

Is this a reason that you tweet?

The New Yorker

Not for a reason that I know.

The New York Times

But there's a reason that line exists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reason that", ensure the following clause clearly and directly explains the reason. Avoid ambiguity by placing the clause as close as possible to the element it explains.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple "a reason that" clauses in a single sentence. This can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-understand constructions. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason that" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a cause, explanation, or justification to a subsequent clause. The function is evident across many examples in Ludwig, where it clarifies the rationale behind actions or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reason that" functions as a versatile phrase used to introduce explanatory clauses across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While alternatives like "the reason why" exist, the choice often depends on stylistic preference. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, maintaining a neutral register. When employing "a reason that", clarity is key; avoid overly complex sentence structures to ensure the reason is easily understood. Pay close attention when using similar phrases, and double check that the sentence structure is appropriate. Considering it's high source quality and consistent usage, the phrase is definitely reliable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation why

Replaces "reason" with "explanation", offering a direct synonym while keeping the core meaning intact.

the cause for which

Focuses on causality, emphasizing the underlying cause rather than a general reason.

the grounds on which

Highlights the justification or basis for something, often used in more formal contexts.

the justification that

Emphasizes the act of justifying or providing reasons, suitable when defending a position.

the rationale behind

Focuses on the logical basis or underlying principle, suitable for explaining decisions.

the motive for which

Highlights the driving force or intention behind an action, adding a layer of purpose.

the purpose that

Specifies the intended outcome or goal, useful when clarity of intent is crucial.

the account of why

Indicates a narrative or explanation of the reasons, often used in storytelling contexts.

the story behind

Suggests a deeper, often untold explanation, implying more than just surface-level reasons.

the logic of why

Highlights the reasoning process and logical connections, suitable for technical explanations.

FAQs

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

Use "a reason that" to introduce a clause explaining the justification or cause for something. For example, "There is "a reason that" the policy was changed."

What are some alternatives to "a reason that"?

You can use alternatives like "the reason why", "the cause for which", or "the justification that", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Which is correct, "a reason that" or "a reason why"?

Both "a reason that" and "a reason why" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "a reason why" might be perceived as slightly more informal.

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

"A reason that" introduces a clause providing an explanation, while "the reason for" typically precedes a noun or noun phrase. For example, "a reason that I left" versus "the reason for my departure".