explain the reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain the reason for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to provide an explanation to back up an assertion. Example: Could you please explain the reason for your decision to pursue a new career?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

may explain the reason for TMEPAI's involvement among multiple regulators of Smad signaling in outstandingly divergent cancers.

Cancer Science

Delaney has refused to explain the reason for the payment.

The Times

Nor did the army explain the reason for Snowden's incomplete special forces recruitment.

The Guardian

It did not explain the reason for the change in plans.

The Washington Post

In a straightforward and honest way, explain the reason for the feedback.

Harvard Business Review

Explain the reason for the communication and why the initiative is necessary.

Harvard Business Review

The FlexX docking was done to explain the reason for the different potency between MMP-2 and AP-N.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

A state official stood to explain the reason for the seafood advisory: the fish had been contaminated.

The Guardian

When Gosain tried to explain the reason for the protest, he was shouted down by the mayor's supporters.

The Guardian

The data underlying the latest reports do not explain the reason for the increase in unvaccinated children.

The Washington Post

Bragg was not aware of this fact, but Polk made no attempt to explain the reason for his insubordination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the reason for", ensure that the context is clear and that the explanation provided is directly relevant to the initial statement or question. Be straightforward and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using redundant expressions such as "explain the reason why", as "reason" already implies 'why'. Stick to "explain the reason for" or rephrase as "explain why".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the reason for" functions as a request or instruction to provide clarification or justification for a particular event, decision, or situation. It sets an expectation for a detailed and coherent account, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain the reason for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for requesting clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "provide an explanation for" or "give the rationale for" exist, "explain the reason for" offers a direct and clear way to seek understanding. It's crucial to avoid redundancies like "explain the reason why". Remember to maintain clarity and relevance in your explanations to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an explanation for

Replaces "explain" with "provide an explanation", adding a slightly more formal tone.

give the rationale for

Substitutes "explain the reason" with "give the rationale", offering a more formal and analytical tone.

clarify the cause of

Replaces "reason" with "cause" and "explain" with "clarify", focusing on the causal aspect.

elucidate the basis of

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary, replacing "explain" with "elucidate" and "reason" with "basis".

detail the grounds for

Emphasizes the specific justification or grounds, replacing "explain the reason".

set forth the justification for

Provides a formal and explicit declaration of the reasons.

account for

A more concise way to ask for an explanation, replacing the entire phrase.

spell out the why of

An informal and emphatic way to request an explanation.

break down the motive behind

Focuses on the underlying motivation, offering a more psychological angle.

shed light on the origins of

Implies uncovering or revealing the reasons, often used when the reasons are not immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the reason for" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the reason for" to request clarification or justification. For example, "Can you explain the reason for the delay?" or "The report should explain the reason for the budget increase."

What are some alternatives to "explain the reason for"?

Alternatives include "provide an explanation for", "give the rationale for", or simply "account for" depending on the context.

Is it incorrect to say "explain the reason why"?

While commonly used, "explain the reason why" is often considered redundant. It's more concise and grammatically preferable to say "explain the reason for" or simply "explain why".

What's the difference between "explain the reason for" and "describe the reason for"?

"Explain the reason for" implies providing a deeper understanding or justification, while "describe the reason for" simply involves detailing or outlining the cause or motivation.