by reason of

USAGE SUMMARY

"by reason of" is a valid phrase in English and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: "The children were given an exemption from the test by reason of their age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Innocent by reason of insanity?

The New York Times

Not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Routh is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Guardian

He pleads not guilty by reason of humor.

The New York Times

She had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

Mr. Haq has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

Mr. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

Absolution by reason of truthiness covers a multitude of sins.

The New York Times

Earlier she had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by reason of" in formal writing or legal contexts where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is appropriate. For everyday communication, consider using simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to".

Common error

Avoid using "by reason of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or unnatural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

By reason of functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to indicate cause or reason. It introduces the explanation for a particular action, state, or event. Ludwig AI provides many examples of its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reason of" is a formal phrase used to indicate causation, similar to "because of" or "due to". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While it's acceptable for formal writing, simpler alternatives are often preferred in everyday contexts. When using "by reason of", ensure the tone matches the formality of the situation to avoid sounding stilted. Remember to check Ludwig for example sentences if you're unsure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to

This alternative is shorter and more direct, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

because of

This alternative is simpler and more commonly used in everyday language.

on account of

This alternative carries a slightly more formal tone, similar to "by reason of".

owing to

This alternative is a synonym, but it's often considered slightly more formal.

as a result of

This alternative emphasizes the consequence or outcome of the cause.

in light of

This alternative suggests considering new information or circumstances.

on the grounds of

This alternative is often used in legal or formal contexts.

for the reason that

This alternative is more verbose and emphasizes the explanation.

considering that

This alternative emphasizes the act of taking something into account.

given that

This alternative sets the cause as a known or accepted fact.

FAQs

What does "by reason of" mean?

The phrase "by reason of" means because of or due to. It indicates the cause or basis for something.

When is it appropriate to use "by reason of"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, or situations where a more elevated tone is desired. Simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" may be better suited for informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "by reason of"?

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

Is "by reason of" interchangeable with "because of"?

While they share a similar meaning, "by reason of" is more formal and less common than "because of". Using "because of" is often preferable in everyday writing and speech.