a substantive reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or meaningful justification for a particular action or decision. Example: "The committee needs to provide a substantive reason for the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It may be that the Russians will offer a substantive reason for having such a meeting.

The New York Times

Facebook declined to provide a substantive reason for their actions in either of these cases.

TechCrunch

That might provide a substantive reason for favoring the latter type of rigidity, obstinate rigidity, as Salmon calls it (1981, p. 34).

SEP

Being the largest category and in the absence of a substantive reason for choosing among professional groups, nursing was used as the omitted category in the regression.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Thus, the CIA could have -- and should have -- released this draft history when it was requested nine years ago, especially given the lack of any substantive reason for keeping it secret.

Huffington Post

"While the act allows for extensions of time in certain circumstances, the commissioner would expect those extensions are only requested when there is a substantive reason.

The Guardian

But there's never been any good substantive reason for Republicans to oppose electing our Presidents the same way we elect our governors, our mayors, and our legislators.

The New Yorker

To break them deliberately and without substantive reason for the public good is to insult democracy.

Huffington Post

What is baffling is that McChrystal doesn't provide one substantive reason for his contempt of civilian leadership and, if anything, it's the American people who should have contempt for Obama for trusting McChrystal in the first place.

Huffington Post

That said, there are plenty of substantive reasons for singling out cotton.

The New York Times

Olympia Snowe expressed substantive reasons for changing her vote on health care between the Finance Committee bill and the final Senate version.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantive reason for", ensure that the reason you are providing is not superficial but carries significant weight and justification. It implies a deeper, more meaningful basis for the action or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive reason for" when the reason is trivial or lacks real impact. Using it inappropriately can weaken your argument and make your justification seem exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive reason for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a significant or meaningful justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts. It is often used to emphasize the depth and importance of the reason being presented.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive reason for" is a phrase used to introduce a significant and well-justified cause or explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the reason provided is indeed meaningful and not a trivial excuse. Alternatives such as "a significant justification for" or "a valid rationale for" can be used depending on the context to express nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant justification for

Replaces 'substantive' with 'significant', emphasizing the importance of the justification.

a valid rationale for

Substitutes 'reason' with 'rationale', suggesting a more formal and logical basis.

a compelling explanation for

Replaces 'reason' with 'explanation' and 'substantive' with 'compelling', highlighting the persuasiveness of the reason.

a meaningful cause for

Emphasizes that the reason is not trivial but carries importance and weight.

a genuine motive for

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the reason.

a solid basis for

Suggests a firm and reliable foundation for the reason.

a well-founded justification for

Implies that the justification is based on evidence and sound reasoning.

a convincing argument for

Focuses on the persuasive power of the reason.

an important consideration for

Highlights the relevance and weight of the reason in decision-making.

a considerable influence on

Shift focus from reason to its impact as an influential point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a substantive reason for" in a sentence?

Use "a substantive reason for" when you want to emphasize that there's a significant and meaningful justification behind an action, decision, or belief. Ensure the reason is well-supported and not merely a superficial excuse.

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant justification for", "a valid rationale for", or "a compelling explanation for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a substantive reason for" or "a good reason for"?

"A substantive reason for" implies a more significant and well-thought-out justification than "a good reason for", which can be more general. Choose the phrase that best reflects the weight and depth of the reason you are describing.

Can "a substantive reason for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantive reason for" is suitable for formal writing, as it conveys a sense of importance and thoroughness. It's especially useful in academic, professional, or legal contexts where detailed justifications are necessary.