discernible reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discernible reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason that is clear or understandable. Example: "There was no discernible reason for the sudden change in policy, leaving employees confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For no discernible reason.

The New Yorker

Occasionally one falls over for no discernible reason.

The Guardian - Tech

The only discernible reason for the attack was the colour of his skin".

Independent

Alone in an ordinary family of six, and for no discernible reason, he declined animal flesh.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then the entire school starts rapping about Aids for no discernible reason.

The Guardian - Film

For no discernible reason, he becomes obsessed with tracking her down.

The New York Times - Books

The two just stopped socializing, he said, for no discernible reason.

The New York Times

For no discernible reason, more expensive homes were no nicer than less expensive ones.

The New York Times

Yet one day, for no discernible reason, the same process very nearly killed me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having bonded so quickly then, the side are suddenly falling to bits, for no discernible reason.

The Guardian - Sport

The 101 is lined for no discernible reason with avocado trees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discernible reason", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential reasons might be, even if they are ultimately absent. This provides a stronger sense of contrast and emphasizes the lack of a clear explanation.

Common error

Avoid embedding "discernible reason" within overly complex sentences. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make the overall statement harder to follow. Keep the sentence structure clear and concise for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discernible reason" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "discernible" modifies the noun "reason". According to Ludwig, it indicates that there is no clear or understandable justification or explanation for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discernible reason" is a frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing a lack of clear explanation or justification. While alternatives such as "apparent motive" or "evident justification" exist, "discernible reason" distinctly emphasizes the absence of an understandable rationale. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent motive

Focuses on the motivation behind an action, suggesting the reason is easily seen.

evident justification

Highlights the justification being clear and obvious.

detectable rationale

Emphasizes the rationale is capable of being discovered or noticed.

obvious cause

Directly points to a cause that is easy to perceive.

identifiable basis

Suggests a foundation or reason that can be easily recognized.

noticeable grounds

Highlights that the reason or foundation is easily noticed.

clear explanation

Emphasizes that the reason or rationale behind something is easy to understand.

understandable pretext

Emphasizes the reason is one that can be comprehended

plain justification

Implies that the justification is simple and straightforward

demonstrable purpose

Highlights that the underlying objective or intention can be shown clearly.

FAQs

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

You can use "discernible reason" to indicate the absence of a clear or understandable cause. For example, "There was no discernible reason for her sudden departure."

What are some alternatives to "discernible reason"?

Some alternatives include "apparent motive", "evident justification", or "obvious cause" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "discernible cause" or "discernible reason"?

Both "discernible cause" and "discernible reason" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Cause" implies a direct instigator, while "reason" suggests a more general explanation or justification.

What's the difference between "discernible reason" and "obvious reason"?

"Discernible reason" implies that a reason could potentially be understood if it existed, but it doesn't. "Obvious reason" suggests that the reason should be easily apparent. "Discernible" emphasizes the potential for understanding, while "obvious" emphasizes the ease of understanding.