a scientific reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scientific reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the rationale or explanation behind a scientific phenomenon or theory. Example: "Researchers are looking for a scientific reason for the sudden increase in temperature in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Full faces often do appear to glow more, but I can't give you a scientific reason for it".

The New York Times

Asked for a scientific reason for his longevity, Mr. Perlman said, "I really don't know — it's a mystery".

The New York Times

There's a scientific reason for the beer, and it's to determine the effects of space on growing edible plants.

TechCrunch

But putting aside the tautology issue, there is also a scientific reason for favoring propensity approaches: since the theory of natural selection allows for drift, this qualification on its claims will be a welcome one.

SEP

Well there's a scientific reason for that!

Vice

I wonder sometimes, can you always have a scientific reason for everything?" (N6) "I suspect so.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So if a reaction was left for 60 minutes there must be a sound scientific reason for this.

The Guardian

There is a legitimate scientific reason for raising the issue.

The New York Times

The W.H.O., a United Nations agency, is encouraging laboratories to destroy stocks of polio virus unless they are conducting priority scientific projects or have a clear scientific reason for keeping the virus.

The New York Times

The issue in the case was the possibility that further DNA testing could clarify the facts presented at trial, and Mr. Bush's decision allowed him to show that he was neither oblivious nor aloof to a central, scientific reason for the changing dynamics of the death penalty debate.

The New York Times

There's a good, scientific reason for your creeping.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a scientific reason for", ensure the reason you provide is genuinely based on scientific evidence and can withstand scrutiny from experts in the relevant field.

Common error

Do not present a correlation as "a scientific reason for" something without demonstrating a clear causal link and addressing potential confounding variables. Oversimplifying complex phenomena can lead to misleading conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scientific reason for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces justification, cause, or explanation rooted in the principles of science. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to preface explanations that need support by scientific proof.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scientific reason for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an explanation grounded in scientific principles. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most often seen in News & Media and Scientific contexts, which reflects its function in providing evidence-based justifications. Although classified as uncommon in terms of frequency, using it can enforce rigor to claims. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason is supported by credible scientific evidence and avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scientific explanation for

Focuses on the explanatory aspect of science rather than a reason.

a scientific basis for

Emphasizes the foundation or underlying principles in science.

a scientific justification for

Highlights the act of providing reasons to support a claim or action in the field of science.

a scientific rationale for

Stresses the logical foundation rooted in scientific methodology.

the scientific grounds for

Similar to basis but emphasizes the justification comes from scientific research or evidence.

a medically sound reason for

This alternative focus more specifically on the aspect of medical science.

evidence-based reason for

Highlights that the reason is supported by evidence, not necessarily exclusively scientific.

empirical reason for

Focuses on reasons derived from observation or experiment.

a research-backed reason for

Highlights the reason is derived or supported by formal research.

experimentally validated reason for

Emphasizes that a reason has been confirmed through experimentation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a scientific reason for"?

Use "a scientific reason for" when you can support your statement with verifiable scientific evidence or established theories. This phrasing indicates that the explanation is grounded in empirical data and rigorous analysis.

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

While similar, "a scientific reason for" implies a justification or cause, whereas "scientific explanation for" focuses more on understanding how or why something occurs. The former often addresses why something is valid, while the latter explains how it works.

What are some alternatives to using "a scientific reason for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "scientific basis for", "scientific rationale for", or "scientific justification for". These alternatives may better suit specific nuances in meaning.

Can I use "a scientific reason for" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "a scientific reason for" is more commonly found in formal writing or discussions related to science, research, or technical subjects. In more informal settings, simpler phrasing might be more appropriate, but the phrase isn't inherently inappropriate.