explained the reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "explained the reason for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone provided an explanation for something. For example: "The professor explained the reason for the decrease in student enrollment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But when we explained the reason for wanting to wear navy blue he immediately accepted our reasoning.

The Guardian - Sport

He explained the reason for one of his woes.

The New Yorker

Getty has not explained the reason for the bash.

The Guardian

RIM has never publicly explained the reason for that omission.

The New York Times - Tech

He explained the reason for his switch during the first debate of 2015.

The Washington Post

In a letter to her parents, Kailong explained the reason for leaving: She felt unloved.

The New York Times

Its results were definitive — and explained the reason for Vivienne's prolonged voicelessness.

The Washington Post

In a 1998 interview with Le Monde, Mr. Hantaï explained the reason for his long isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither Sudan nor the Chinese Foreign Ministry has explained the reason for the delay.

The New York Times

Warp records, James's label, has not yet explained the reason for his departure from the streaming service.

The Guardian - Music

Liao refused to take part, and explained the reason for his having written "Massacre" in the first place.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained the reason for" to introduce a detailed explanation, especially when addressing complex topics or situations. This clarifies that an account is being provided.

Common error

Avoid using "explained the reason why", as it is often considered redundant. The word 'why' is already implied in 'reason'. Stick to "explained the reason for" or "explained why".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained the reason for" serves as a verb phrase that introduces an explanation or justification for a particular event, action, or decision. It functions to provide clarity and understanding, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explained the reason for" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to introduce an explanation or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts, denoting a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. To enhance clarity, it's best to avoid redundant phrasing like "explained the reason why" and ensure explanations are clear and direct. Alternative phrases such as "described the reason for" or "clarified the reason for" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explained the motive for

Focuses on the underlying cause or intention behind an action.

indicated the reason for

Implies a less detailed or direct explanation.

described the reason for

Emphasizes a detailed account of the rationale.

clarified the reason for

Highlights the removal of ambiguity or confusion.

acknowledged the reason for

Suggests admitting or recognizing the validity of a reason.

explained the cause of

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

explained the basis for

Highlights the foundation or justification for something.

detailed the reason for

Emphasizes the provision of a comprehensive explanation.

illustrated the reason for

Focuses on providing examples or visual aids to clarify the explanation.

articulated the reason for

Highlights the clear and effective expression of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "explained the reason for" to introduce a detailed explanation, as in, "The scientist "explained the reason for" the experiment's failure in his report".

What can I say instead of "explained the reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "described the reason for", "clarified the reason for", or "indicated the reason for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "explained the reason why"?

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

What is the difference between "explained the reason for" and "justified the reason for"?

"Explained the reason for" implies providing an account or clarification, whereas "justified the reason for" suggests providing evidence or arguments to defend or validate the reason. The former is neutral, while the latter is persuasive.