a substantial reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant justification or explanation for a particular action or decision. Example: "The committee found a substantial reason for the delay in the project timeline, which was due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

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

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

This course has sometimes sparked a revival in some horses and he has at least dropped back to his last winning rating but a substantial reason for hope is lacking.

The Guardian - Sport

Citizens generally have a right to use public streets, sidewalks and parks for expressive activity — unless the government has a substantial reason for requiring expressive activity to take place somewhere else or at another time.

The New York Times

to participate and discuss the options presented, or to present alternatives, with the views and concerns of the interested parties given effect unless the Secretary determines, from information available from or presented by the interested parties during one or more of the discussions and deliberations, that there is a substantial reason for another course of action.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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.

Harvard 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

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

It is possible that gender and racial differences are found when health information is needed for a substantial reason, but age and education are more powerful predictors of a preference to rely on a physician first for general health information.

BMC Family Practice

The biggest barrier to getting a concealed carry license in Maryland, though, is that even an applicant as clean as Mr. Rogers must still demonstrate a "good and substantial reason" for needing to carry a concealed weapon.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial reason for", ensure that the reason you are describing is genuinely significant and well-supported with evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial reason for" when the reason is minor or trivial. This can weaken your argument and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial reason for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or highlights a significant justification or explanation for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance of the cause or motive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial reason for" serves as a potent way to introduce a significant justification or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and carries a sense of importance and weight. The phrase frequently appears in news, academic and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability. While alternatives exist, such as "a significant cause of" or "a major contributing factor to", the key is to ensure that the reason you are describing is truly substantial. Avoid overstating the significance of minor reasons, and ensure your reasoning is well-supported by evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant cause of

Uses "cause" instead of "reason", implying a direct relationship where one thing leads to another.

a major contributing factor to

Highlights the importance of something as one of several elements that contribute to a specific outcome.

a key determinant of

Emphasizes that something plays a decisive role in influencing a particular result or situation.

an important basis for

Focuses on the fundamental support or foundation upon which something else is built or justified.

a primary motive for

Indicates the main incentive or driving force behind an action or decision.

a considerable justification for

Highlights the defensible or valid grounds for a particular action or belief.

a noteworthy explanation for

Emphasizes that the reason provided is significant and deserves attention.

a valid rationale for

Stresses that the reasoning behind a decision or action is sound and logically consistent.

a critical impetus for

Points to something that acts as a crucial catalyst or driving force behind an event or change.

a powerful influence on

Highlights that something has a strong effect on or impact on something else.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial reason for" to introduce a significant justification or explanation for an action, event, or decision. For example: "There is "a substantial reason for" the company's success, which is its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant cause of", "a major contributing factor to", or "an important basis for" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the reason or cause.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial reason for"?

It's appropriate to use "a substantial reason for" when you want to highlight that the reason you're discussing is significant, weighty, and well-justified. Avoid using it for trivial matters.

How does "a substantial reason for" differ from "a good reason for"?

"A substantial reason for" implies a more significant and compelling justification than "a good reason for". "Good reason" can be adequate, while "a substantial reason" carries more weight.