certain reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when an exact reason is not known for something, or when the exact reason is not important enough to specify. For example: "He had to leave the party early for some certain reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"If we had the best two wing-backs and I had to play with two strikers for a certain reason I would play it," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't dislike porn in theory, but in practice, those breasts are often made to look a certain way, the nipples not exactly freed but inflated and agitated into a certain erectness for a certain reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Often if people have had lots of miscarriages or lost a baby, the levels of anxiety are much higher, they want a certain thing for a certain reason," she says.

The Guardian

Reviews the changes: industrial impoverishment of the 19th century; the trusts of the early 20th century; the Great Depression which ended with WWII and the introduction of government into the economy; and monopolistic governmental capitalism today, when the permanent government sector in the economy is the most certain reason for inflation.

The New Yorker

What is egregiously absent in his article is the prevailing, almost certain, reason to believe that the war in Iraq was neither one of choice nor necessity but contrived and invented for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with preserving our safety.

The New York Times - Magazine

This wanting more to act on a certain reason is, on Kane's view, brought about by the choice in question.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There are also certain reasons not to marry.

The New York Times

However, SOME U.N. conference room papers have gotten a wider circulation for certain reasons.

Columbia University

He could leave only for certain reasons and had to notify prosecutors when he did.

The New York Times

"All I know is government was put here for certain reasons," Ms. Reimer said.

The New York Times

Also discovered in this research, the developments of flat grooves in the strata of sandstones have certain reasons.

Geomorphology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain reason" when you want to indicate that there's a specific reason for something, but you don't need or want to disclose the details.

Common error

While "certain reason" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain reason" functions as a determiner + noun construction, providing a general indication of a cause or motive without specifying its details. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain reason" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the existence of a cause or motive without providing specific details. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, offering a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. While effective, consider using more specific language in formal settings for enhanced clarity. The phrase serves as a useful tool for discretion or when specific details aren't necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific motive

Changes "reason" to a more intentional term emphasizing purpose.

particular cause

Replaces "reason" with "cause," focusing on the origin of something.

definite purpose

Uses "purpose" instead of "reason" to indicate a clear intention.

distinct rationale

Formal alternative emphasizing justification.

known explanation

Shifts the focus to having an identified explanation.

precise account

Highlights a detailed and exact explanation.

underlying factor

Focuses on the fundamental element contributing to something.

hidden agenda

Suggests a secret or concealed motive.

unspecified justification

Emphasizes that the justification isn't detailed or named.

unstated aim

Implies an objective that is not explicitly communicated.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain reason" to indicate that there is a specific cause or motive, without necessarily revealing what it is. For example, "She declined the invitation for a "certain reason"".

What's a more formal alternative to "certain reason"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "specific rationale" or "particular justification".

Is it better to always specify the reason instead of using "certain reason"?

It depends on the context. If the reason is relevant and appropriate to share, specify it. Use "certain reason" when the details are unnecessary or confidential.

What's the difference between "certain reason" and "specific reason"?

"Certain reason" implies that a reason exists but isn't being disclosed, while "specific reason" suggests that a detailed reason is known and could be explained further.