a reason to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason to do something" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express an impetus for making a certain decision or taking a particular action. For example: "I had a reason to go to the store, so I decided to make the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"That's not a reason to do something.

The New York Times

That alone should be a reason to do something now.

The Economist

Mihajlovic went on: "Please know I had a reason to do something like that.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a reason to do something that looks different, appealing, open and inviting".

The New York Times

Brent Staples (Editorial Observer, Jan . 5 has given Americans a reason to do something about the status of reading instruction.

The New York Times

Yet once you adopt a risk-management perspective, then uncertainty becomes a reason to do something rather than a reason not to do something.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But getting myself to do it... there is always a good reason to do something else, filling the washing machine or writing a reference.

The Guardian

That the reporter, Gabriel Sherman, was working on something that people at News Corp. were worried about, is in itself, a good reason to do something on Gawker," he said.

The New York Times

"In retrospect, it was a ridiculous reason to do something".

Science Magazine

Listen to your child...Do they have a valid reason to do something?

WikiHow

All of which is a pretty good reason to do something like index Social Security benefits to the actual cost of living for seniors, or lift the $113,700 cap on income that is taxed for Social Security -- which are basically the modest reforms sought by those who want to "expand Social Security".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reason to do something", ensure the reason is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the action being considered for clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting trivial justifications as significant "a reason to do something". Ensure the reason aligns with the weight of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason to do something" functions as a noun phrase that describes a justification, motive, or rationale for performing an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. This phrase indicates the purpose or cause behind an action, suggesting that there's a valid explanation or need for it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reason to do something" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered phrase used to express the justification or motivation behind an action. While categorized as having a Uncommon frequency of occurrence, its usage is prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. According to Ludwig AI, this term serves to explain or persuade the audience as to why something is or should be done. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in articulating the reason and align it with the action's significance. Alternatives such as "a justification for action" or "a motive for action" can be used to adjust the emphasis as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a purpose for acting

Stresses the intended outcome or goal of the action.

a motive for action

Emphasizes the internal drive or impulse behind an action.

a rationale for doing something

Implies a logical or reasoned explanation for the action.

a justification for action

Focuses more on the formal defense or explanation of an action.

enough cause for action

Indicates that the impetus meets a required threshold or severity.

a basis for action

Suggests a foundational element upon which an action is built.

an incentive to act

Highlights the external stimulus or reward that encourages action.

a valid ground to act

Suggests that there is a legitimate and acceptable foundation for doing something.

a good cause to act

Highlights the moral or ethical dimension of the action.

an occasion to proceed

Focuses on opportunity and situation, rather than a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "a reason to do something" in a sentence?

Use "a reason to do something" to indicate a justification or motivation for taking an action. For example, "Having "a purpose for acting" is often enough "a motive for action"".

What are some alternatives to "a reason to do something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a justification for action", "a motive for action", or "a basis for action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to have "a reason to do something"?

While not always strictly necessary, having "a reason to do something" generally lends purpose and direction to your actions. Sometimes instinct or spontaneity might suffice, but having a reason typically ensures more thoughtful and deliberate action.

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

"A reason to do something" implies a genuine justification, while "an excuse to do something" often suggests a pretext or a less valid justification. The first is typically more legitimate or logical, whereas the second may be seen as a way to avoid responsibility.