asked for the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked for the reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase when you are talking about someone inquiring about the justification for an action or event. For example: "The witness asked for the reason why he was being called to testify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"MIT is a very exciting place," Jerison said, when asked for the reason he chose to come to MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I asked for the reason and they said that it was confidential," she posted to her Facebook page.

The Guardian

Asked for the reason after the show, she said: "When I think about men, I also think about clothes for women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's back in town now, though, and, when he's asked for the reason, explains that in Vermont he had to pay the baker extra to get breat that wasn't sliced.

The New Yorker

Asked for the reason of refusal, all denying school's directors argued that their schools would already participate in other studies and/or are overloaded.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Those here should hold onto their ticket stubs because they can say they saw one of sport's all-time greats". Asked for the reason Floyd Mayweather is unbeatable, former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson tells Sky Sports: "It's him.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

She promised to replace Sullivan with "a bold, strategic, visionary leader" but refused to answer when asked for the reasons behind Sullivan's departure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those who said that they would not participate as a CFR member were asked for the reasons why they would not participate.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

If you are asked for the reasons why you are leaving, share the positive reasons related to your next step versus the negatives of your current situation.

Forbes

Asked for the reasons for the change, Caf's director of communications Junior Binyam said: "As you have observed even some national team games have already been programmed midweek.

BBC

As reported by Borko et al. (1992), when a student asked for the reasons of the inverse and multiply procedure for computing fraction division, a PT attempted to draw pictures to explain the process but failed to do so.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asked for the reason", ensure the context clearly indicates who is asking and to whom the question is directed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "asked for the reason" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using "asked why" or a more conversational alternative to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked for the reason" functions as a verb phrase indicating an act of inquiry. It specifies the action of requesting an explanation or justification for a particular event, decision, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

44%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asked for the reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for inquiring about the cause or justification of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in various contexts, with a tendency toward neutral to formal settings. Its usage is particularly common in news, scientific, and academic sources. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more informal alternatives like "asked why" in casual conversation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is asking and to whom the question is addressed. The choice between "reason" and "reasons" depends on whether you're seeking a single cause or multiple justifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asked why

Simplest and most direct alternative, omitting "for the reason".

wanted to know the cause

Simpler phrasing, using "cause" as a direct synonym for "reason".

requested the explanation

Uses "explanation" instead of "reason", implying a more detailed account is sought.

inquired about the motive

Replaces "reason" with "motive", suggesting a focus on the underlying intention.

questioned the basis

Focuses on the fundamental principle or foundation.

demanded the justification

Emphasizes a stronger request, using "demanded" and "justification."

desired the rationale

Uses "rationale" for a more formal and logical justification.

sought the grounds for

More formal, using "sought" and "grounds" to denote a formal basis.

investigated the motivation

Suggests a more thorough examination of the underlying factors.

pressed for an account

Implies persistence in seeking an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "asked for the reason" in a sentence?

You can use "asked for the reason" when someone is inquiring about the cause or justification behind something. For example, "The manager asked for the reason behind the project's delay".

What are some alternatives to "asked for the reason"?

Alternatives include "asked why", "requested the explanation", or "inquired about the motive". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "asked for the reason" or "asked for the reasons"?

Use "asked for the reason" when referring to a single, primary cause. Use "asked for the reasons" when multiple causes or justifications are involved. Both are correct depending on the context.

What's the difference between "asked for the reason" and "demanded the reason"?

"Asked for the reason" is a neutral inquiry. "Demanded the reason" implies a stronger, more forceful request, often in response to dissatisfaction or suspicion. It conveys a sense of entitlement to an explanation.