credible reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "credible reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a justification or explanation that is believable and trustworthy. Example: "The committee required a credible reason for the delay in the project timeline before granting an extension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He was a credible reason, too.

The New York Times - Arts

The only credible reason to continue is to make astronauts true explorers again.

The New York Times

And if the employer rejects you for the job, offering some credible reason, he said, who's to say it wasn't actually because of the credit report?

The New York Times

"It was killed abruptly because no one was buying it and there no was no credible reason to believe anyone would," this person said.

The New York Times - Tech

Just the potential to be a kite-flying spot on the Hudson River gives the museum a credible reason to mount this show.

The New York Times

There was no credible reason why Murdoch would be the appropriate person for this task: it was the legal duty of the minister of trade, then John Nott.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Pruitt's delays are uncommonly long, she said, and he generally doesn't give "credible reasons why changes are necessary".

The New Yorker

Scenario B is just the opposite: a highly informed and strategic decision, one made expressly because Mr. Perry had credible reasons to believe that he was still viable.

The New York Times

Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition is the opposite, providing very credible reasons to play through two, three or even four times for those who have real affection for the franchise.

The Guardian - Tech

Low interest rates, low inflation and a modest decline in the dollar, which will lift exports, all offer credible reasons to think the economy will improve over the next year.

The New York Times

Now that prices are falling in euro-land for the first time since the financial crisis, are there are any credible reasons to continue to resist a programme of bond-buying by the European Central Bank (ECB)?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "credible reason", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reason to be perceived as believable and trustworthy. Avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "credible reason" when the justification lacks supporting evidence or logical consistency. Presenting a poorly supported reason as credible can undermine your overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "credible reason" functions as a noun phrase, where "credible" modifies the noun "reason". It specifies the quality of the reason, indicating that it is believable and worthy of trust. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used to introduce explanations or justifications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "credible reason" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a believable and trustworthy justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the reason presented is indeed well-supported to maintain its credibility. Alternatives like "plausible justification" or "valid explanation" may be suitable depending on the context. Always provide sufficient evidence and avoid vagueness to reinforce the credibility of the reason you are giving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Plausible justification

Replaces "credible" with "plausible", emphasizing the apparent validity of the justification.

Believable rationale

Uses "believable" instead of "credible", focusing on the capacity to be believed, and replaces "reason" with "rationale", indicating a fundamental reason.

Convincing argument

Substitutes "credible reason" with "convincing argument", highlighting the persuasive quality of the reason.

Valid explanation

Replaces "credible" with "valid", stressing the soundness and legitimacy of the explanation.

Sound basis

Uses "sound basis" to convey a solid and reliable reason or foundation.

Defensible ground

Replaces "credible reason" with "defensible ground", suggesting a position or action that can be justified or defended.

Justifiable cause

Substitutes "reason" with "cause", implying a reason that is morally or legally defensible, and replaces credible with justifiable.

Authentic motive

Uses "authentic motive" to emphasize the genuineness and sincerity of the reason.

Legitimate pretext

Replaces "credible reason" with "legitimate pretext", suggesting a reason that complies with the law or rules.

Acceptable excuse

Substitutes "credible reason" with "acceptable excuse", implying a reason that is deemed satisfactory or adequate.

FAQs

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

You can use "credible reason" to introduce a justification or explanation that is believable. For example: "The company provided a "credible reason" for the delay, citing unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "credible reason"?

Alternatives to "credible reason" include "plausible justification", "valid explanation", or "believable rationale", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "credible reason" or "creditable reason"?

"Credible reason" is correct when you mean a believable or trustworthy reason. "Creditable" means deserving of praise or recognition, so it would not fit in this context.

What's the difference between "credible reason" and "plausible reason"?

While both suggest believability, "credible reason" implies a higher degree of trustworthiness and evidence, whereas "plausible reason" simply means it's seemingly reasonable or possible but may lack concrete proof.