distinct reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct reason" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to emphasize that a reason is clear and separate from others. For example, "She had a distinct reason for choosing that path." Alternative expressions include "clear reason" and "specific reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yet Rdio has become my go-to music app for one distinct reason: its beautiful design and user interface.

The New York Times

So a broad range of financial activities might have to be more tightly regulated for this second, distinct, reason.

The New York Times

Yet, a distinct reason for differences in bacterial foam adhesion could not be determined and should be investigated in further detail.

AMB Express

No distinct reason was identified in our study to explain this occurrence.

BMC Medical Education

Those in charge are put there by God for a distinct reason, even if we just cannot see it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Macroeconomists are interested in aggregate consumption for two distinct reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sarandon plays Marnie, an overbearing and unevenly accented New Jersey mother, who has moved to Los Angeles for two very distinct reasons.

The Guardian - Film

Johnson pointed out that there are perhaps two dozen distinct reasons that life arose on our planet.

The New Yorker

The skills and sensibilities of the two Davids appeal to Mr. Obama for distinct reasons.

The New York Times

But there are two distinct reasons why this might be so.In this section A gift of tongues Energy and its absence An epic future?

The Economist

As a 17-year-old going into my senior year and planning to study engineering in college, I see two distinct reasons algebra should continue as a core part of every student's curriculum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with a colon or a following explanation to immediately provide the detail you have signaled as distinct.

Common error

Do not confuse "distinct" with "distinctive". While a "distinct reason" is a separate and clear one, a "distinctive reason" would be one that is characteristic of a particular person or thing. Using them interchangeably can blur the logic of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "distinct reason" is to serve as a noun phrase where the adjective "distinct" modifies the noun "reason". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the object of a preposition (e.g., "for one "distinct reason"") or the subject of a passive construction. Ludwig AI classifies this as a standard and correct usage in modern English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct reason" is recognized as a grammatically correct and effective linguistic tool according to Ludwig. While the singular form appears occasionally in journalism to pinpoint a specific motivation, search data indicates that the plural variant is significantly more prevalent in scientific and academic discourse for identifying independent variables. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is most effective when used to highlight a justification that stands entirely apart from others, providing clarity in complex arguments. High-authority sources like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian" frequently employ this phrase to guide readers through multi-layered narratives or explanations, making it a reliable choice for professional and formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific reason

Focuses on precision rather than the separation of factors

clear reason

Emphasizes transparency or ease of understanding

particular reason

Highlights a single item from a broader group

separate reason

Underscores that this reason is not connected to others

discrete reason

A more technical term for separate and distinct justifications

notable reason

Suggests the reason is significant or worthy of special attention

defined reason

Suggests the reason is clearly established or outlined

unique reason

Implies the reason is one of a kind and exclusively applicable

individual reason

Focuses on the singleness of the factor within a sequence

explicit reason

Implies the reason has been stated plainly and directly

FAQs

What can I say instead of "distinct reason"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "specific reason", "clear reason" or "particular reason".

Is it correct to use "distinct reason" in a sentence?

Yes, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in high-authority sources like "The New York Times" to introduce a clear and separate justification.

What is the difference between "distinct reason" and "distinctive reason"?

A "distinct reason" is one that is separate and clearly defined, whereas a ""distinctive reason"" is a reason that serves as a characteristic feature of someone or something.

Is "distinct reason" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate. However, academic writing often uses the plural "distinct reasons" to categorize several independent factors within a study or argument.