a reasonable reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that a reason is not only logical but also justifiable or sensible. Example: "She provided a reasonable reason for her absence, explaining that she had a family emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A reasonable reason not to attend the debate perhaps; but hardly justification for silencing any discussion by thuggishly threatening to disrupt it with 'instruments'instruments

Independent

Ms. Ward argues that one's religious beliefs are a reasonable reason to refer a client, while the university argues that it has to train students to work with all kinds of clients.

The New York Times

"To think that she is gone forever and we will never see her again is almost like losing a loved one," he said, but then he thought about the potential for harbor damage and added, "That's a reasonable reason to scrap it".

The New York Times

(b) H11: A reasonable reason may owe to the restriction, for which consumers cannot easily terminate the relationship with the shopping website, but they still believe that the website is the most beneficial one that is worth to work with after a complete thinking.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

A reasonable reason is related to the category of photons in the co-circular channel.

Biomedical Optics Express

Once you've identified why you want to distance yourself from them, be sure it's a reasonable reason.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Or maybe she does not want to nurse it for a fairly reasonable reason, such as "Why should she nurse a kitten that is not hers?" Many humans have the same mindset.

WikiHow

"You might just find there is a perfectly reasonable reason -- and she'll feel cared for instead of judged and you'll have a deeper understanding of the woman you love". 6. "OK, I got it, you don't have to bring it up again". Avoid this or any other statement that could easily be read as "please, just stop nagging me," Berger advised.

HuffPost

Even if you find a perfectly reasonable reason for the event in question, some people will reject your explanation in favor of the supernatural one.

WikiHow

The USCG cited topside damage as a reasonable alternative reason for the Fitzgerald sinking and surmised that damage to the fence rail and vents was possibly caused by a heavy floating object such as a log.

Wikipedia

It shouldn't surprise you that this flabby social sadism is coming from a moderate Brexiteer, pushing a reasonable Brexit: reason and moderation are just a basic acceptance of what already is, and what exists is spite, all the way down.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reasonable reason" when you want to emphasize that a justification is not only logical but also fair and sensible. Ensure the context supports this emphasis on fairness and rationality.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable reason" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, more precise language such as "a valid justification" or "a sound rationale" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable reason" functions as a noun phrase that describes a justification or explanation. The adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "reason", indicating that the reason is sensible, logical, and justifiable. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a justification that is sensible, logical, and fair. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the phrase's frequency is rare, suggesting that writers often opt for more precise alternatives depending on the context. Its usage spans various categories, including news, science, and wiki content, but it's crucial to ensure it aligns with the formality of the writing. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "a valid reason" or "a justifiable reason", particularly in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound reason

Emphasizes the reliability and strength of the justification.

a valid reason

Highlights the legitimacy and legal soundness of the justification.

a legitimate reason

Stresses the lawfulness and authenticity of the justification.

a fair reason

Emphasizes impartiality and justice in the justification.

a sensible reason

Indicates that the justification is practical and shows good judgment.

a justifiable reason

Focuses on the defensibility and moral rightness of the justification.

a logical reason

Highlights the rationality and coherence of the justification.

an acceptable reason

Focuses on whether the justification is generally agreed upon or permissible.

a good enough reason

Implies the justification is sufficient and acceptable.

a plausible reason

Suggests the justification is believable and credible.

FAQs

What does "a reasonable reason" mean?

The phrase "a reasonable reason" means a justification or explanation that is sensible, logical, and fair. It implies that the reason is not arbitrary or based on emotion, but rather on sound judgment.

What are some alternatives to saying "a reasonable reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a valid reason", "a justifiable reason", "a legitimate reason", or "a sensible reason" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "a reasonable reason" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable reason" in a sentence to explain why something is acceptable or understandable. For example, "She provided "a reasonable reason" for being late, citing unforeseen traffic delays."

Is there a difference between "a reasonable reason" and "a good reason"?

While both phrases indicate an acceptable justification, "a reasonable reason" suggests a more logical and considered explanation. "A good reason" might be based on personal preference or convenience, while "a reasonable reason" is generally more objective and justifiable.