a substantial reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or important justification for a decision or action. Example: "The committee decided to approve the proposal because there was a substantial reason to believe it would benefit the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Where no explanation is established, however, the court should presume that the PTO had a substantial reason related to patentability for including the limiting element added by amendment.

Cornell University

However, a substantial reason for this is that the Journal, unlike most of its competitors during this time period, allowed people to subscribe to its online edition only.

The New Yorker

Robert Gibbs, Vashon, Wash.: Your remarks about a disenfranchised workforce highlight what I think is a substantial reason so many Republicans insist that there be no amnesty.

The New York Times

They have reached conflicting results over whether such ordinances cause physical takings; such a conflict is, of course, a substantial reason for granting certiorari under this Court's Rule 10.

Cornell University

“Where no explanation is established, however, the court should presume that the patent application had a substantial reason related to patentability for including the limiting element added by amendment.

Cornell University

The jury found that Pao's gender wasn't a factor in Kleiner Perkins' decision not to make her a senior partner, and that her complaints were not a substantial reason for her termination.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In Delaware, the test for director independence has been stated as whether "a director is, for any substantial reason, incapable of making a decision with only the best interests of the corporation in mind".

The New York Times

But permit seekers don't need to prove they have any substantial reason to need a concealed weapon.

Vice

But he said Mr. Genser and federal investigators had not provided him with any substantial reason Mr. Gotti should be kept in solitary confinement.

The New York Times

A more substantial reason for thinking that the archonship mattered less after 508 than it had, for instance, under the Peisistratids lies in the "seesaw" argument that the rise of the stratēgia must have led to a fall in the power and prestige of the archonship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So it would have to be for a pretty substantial reason that I'd consider moving away at this point". Among rooted people, 89% said they are satisfied with their work, 15% feel job loss this coming year is likely, and 36% said they would likely move for a good job outside of North County.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial reason", ensure the context clearly indicates the decision or action the reason supports. For example, instead of saying "There's a substantial reason", specify "There's a substantial reason to reconsider our approach."

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial reason" when a simpler explanation suffices. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or even pretentious. If the reason is straightforward, a more direct phrasing might be better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence or clause. It identifies a significant or important justification for an action, belief, or decision. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts, underscoring its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial reason" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a significant justification or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it finds common usage across academia, news, and scientific domains. Alternatives like "a significant rationale" or "a compelling motive" can provide nuanced variations. When writing, ensure the reason's context is clear and avoid overusing the phrase to maintain a natural tone. This phrase often appears in formal contexts like The New York Times or academic papers, emphasizing the weight and credibility behind the given rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant rationale

Emphasizes the importance and validity of the reasoning.

a considerable justification

Highlights the adequacy and appropriateness of the justification.

a compelling motive

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action.

a valid explanation

Stresses the truthfulness and logical coherence of the explanation.

a powerful incentive

Highlights the motivating factor as being strong and influential.

a weighty consideration

Suggests the reason carries significant importance and impact.

a serious cause

Indicates that the reason is not trivial and warrants attention.

a key factor

Highlights the reason as a crucial element in a particular situation.

a primary driver

Emphasizes the reason as the main force behind a particular outcome.

an important ground

Focuses on the basis or foundation for a belief or action.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial reason" to introduce a significant justification or explanation for a decision or action. For example, "The company dismissed the employee because there was "a substantial reason" to believe he was stealing from the company."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant rationale", "a compelling motive", or "a valid explanation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a substantial reason" or "a good reason"?

"A substantial reason" implies a more significant or weighty justification than "a good reason". Choose the phrase that best reflects the importance of the reason in your context.

What's the difference between "a substantial reason" and "an adequate reason"?

"A substantial reason" suggests that the reason is considerable and important, whereas "an adequate reason" simply means the reason is sufficient or meets the minimum requirements. Substantial implies weight or significance beyond mere adequacy.