a valid reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valid reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing justifications or explanations that are acceptable or legitimate in a particular context. Example: "The committee will only consider applications that include a valid reason for the request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's a valid reason?

The Guardian - Business

Is that a valid reason for companies to avoid dividends?

The New York Times

And that's a valid reason to be upset at that point, but it's not a valid reason at 27 if your whole life has changed".

The Guardian - Music

Every fence and wall, he told the Guardian, was built for a valid reason.

The Guardian

Start your message by providing a valid reason for contacting them.

The Guardian

Flynn argues that concern about possible distress is not a valid reason for changing the curriculum.

The Guardian

Is this a valid reason not to participate in the fund-raiser?

The New York Times - Magazine

If a tenant has a valid reason, withholding the rent can be a powerful tool.

The New York Times

* The need to care for a sick relative is always a valid reason, too.

The New York Times

CAS ruled Valcke's line was "manifestly not a valid reason for a law-abiding individual".

The Guardian - Sport

Insufficient funds of a particular unit will not be considered a valid reason for an exception.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a valid reason" when presenting arguments or justifications that need to be credible and well-supported.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a valid reason" without explaining why it is valid. Always follow up with concrete details or evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valid reason" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used and easily understood. It provides a justification or explanation that is acceptable and legitimate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

9%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a valid reason" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to provide or seek justifications. Ludwig AI indicates that it's employed across various contexts, from news and academia to business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the reason is well-articulated and supported with specifics. While alternatives like "a legitimate justification" or "a sound rationale" can be used, "a valid reason" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. Remember, simply stating "a valid reason" isn't enough; explain why it is valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legitimate justification

Emphasizes the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason.

a sound rationale

Highlights the logical and well-reasoned nature of the explanation.

a compelling ground

Suggests the reason is convincing and difficult to argue against.

a justifiable basis

Focuses on the defensibility and fairness of the reason.

a reasonable explanation

Indicates the reason is sensible and easily understood.

an acceptable rationale

Implies the reason meets the minimum requirements for approval.

a good cause

Suggests a morally or ethically strong reason.

an adequate motive

Focuses on the underlying drive or incentive behind an action.

a plausible pretext

Implies the reason is believable but may not be entirely genuine.

a sufficient justification

Highlights the reason is enough to account for something.

FAQs

What does "a valid reason" mean?

The phrase "a valid reason" refers to a justification or explanation that is considered acceptable, logical, or legitimate within a specific context. It implies that there is sufficient grounds or evidence to support a particular action, decision, or belief.

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

You can use "a valid reason" to introduce an explanation for why something is justified. For example: "He needed "a valid reason" for missing the meeting" or "The company provided "a valid reason" for the delay".

What are some alternatives to "a valid reason"?

Alternatives to "a valid reason" include "a legitimate justification", "a sound rationale", "a compelling ground", or "a justifiable basis". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "a valid reason" when you want to emphasize that an explanation or justification is not arbitrary or without merit, but is based on sound logic, evidence, or generally accepted principles. It's suitable in formal and informal contexts.