by reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate the cause or justification for something. Example: "The defendant was acquitted by reason of insanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Innocent by reason of insanity?

The New York Times

Not guilty by reason of... "parasomnia"?

The New York Times - Magazine

But what do we mean by reason?

The Guardian - Books

It was "not responsible by reason of insanity" -- rather than "guilty by reason of insanity".

The New York Times

He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Guardian

Ms. Yates has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

That year, he was interviewed by Reason, the libertarian magazine.

The New Yorker

And scientific knowledge must be backed by reason.

The Guardian - Books

I admire the way his principles are uninhibited by reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Routh is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Guardian

He pleads not guilty by reason of humor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by reason" to convey a formal and objective tone, particularly in legal, academic, or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "by reason" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reason" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing the cause, motive, or justification for an action or state. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by reason" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce the cause, justification, or motive behind an action or state. While versatile, it's most appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, maintaining an objective tone. When aiming for less formality, consider alternatives such as "due to" or "because of". Remember, "by reason" effectively delivers factual explanations within professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to

Indicates direct causation; more informal than "by reason".

on account of

A more formal alternative, suggesting a specific reason or explanation.

owing to

Similar to "due to", indicating a direct cause or reason.

because of

Similar to "due to" but can sometimes imply a more personal cause.

as a result of

Highlights the consequence or outcome stemming from a particular cause.

on the grounds of

Used to justify an action or decision, often in legal or formal settings.

in consequence of

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing "as a result of".

by virtue of

Indicates that something is true or valid based on a particular quality or fact.

for the reason that

A more explicit and formal way of stating the reason for something.

in light of

Suggests that something is done or considered because of new information or circumstances.

FAQs

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

"By reason" is used to indicate the cause or justification for something, often in formal contexts. For example, "The defendant was acquitted "by reason of insanity"."

What's a less formal alternative to "by reason"?

Less formal alternatives include "due to", "because of", or "on account of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "by reason of" the same as "by reason"?

While "by reason" is often followed by "of", it's not always necessary. The inclusion of "of" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "By reason" can function independently to indicate cause, while "by reason of" is a more complete prepositional phrase.

When should I avoid using "by reason"?

Avoid using "by reason" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's more appropriate for formal, legal, or academic contexts where a precise and objective tone is desired. Simpler alternatives are more suitable for everyday communication.