firm reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a strong or solid justification for a decision or action. Example: "She had a firm reason for declining the offer, as it did not align with her career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But she rejected arguments that the F.B.I. should focus only on investigations that begin with a firm reason for suspecting wrongdoing.

The New York Times

The back-to-school season is the second-largest sales period for retailers, after the winter holiday period, and it offers a spate of new designs and a firm reason for shoppers to head to stores.

The New York Times

His views are also reflected in a book published next week, in which he writes: "There is no firm reason to anticipate that the intellectual capacities of peoples geographically separated in their evolution should prove to have evolved identically.

Independent

Among them, Michael German, a former F.B.I. agent who is now a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that it was unwise to further ease restrictions on agents' power to use potentially intrusive techniques, especially if they lacked a firm reason to suspect someone of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Without a very firm reason for wanting to achieve a certain commitment, your chances of success aren't good.

Huffington Post

No firm reason was put forward for the omission of Barnes and a division within the Board was evident when several of its members spoke highly of him.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There were firm reasons for this state of affairs.

The Guardian - Music

On these scores, there are firm reasons to remain optimistic.

The New York Times

An attack on January 25th killed five Afghan aid workers, prompting more security fears.In this section Everybody's doing it Here we go again Registering doubts Uneasy partners Al-Qaeda and the separatists Among the ruins Rise and fall ReprintsDespite these troubles, Mr Karzai had firm reasons to bring the elections forward.

The Economist

"We believe the union would not reopen the employment contract with GM before expiration in 2007, but could consider working within the agreement," the research firm reasoned.

Forbes

"Our rating is based on three factors: improving gross margin profile, product mix shift to higher margin and more competitive mobile processors, and improving memory segment outlook and potential entry into the NAND flash market," the research firm reasoned.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firm reason" when you want to emphasize the strength and validity of a justification. It implies that the reason is not easily dismissed or questioned.

Common error

While "firm reason" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "good reason" or "solid reason" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm reason" functions as a noun phrase, where "firm" modifies the noun "reason". It describes a strong or solid justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm reason" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a strong or solid justification. As Ludwig AI explains, it's appropriate for emphasizing the strength and validity of a reason, particularly in neutral to professional contexts like news articles and formal discussions. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "good reason", "firm reason" serves to convey a sense of seriousness and deliberation. Consider using alternatives such as "solid justification" or "valid rationale" for similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid justification

Emphasizes the strength and validity of the reason.

valid rationale

Highlights the logical and well-founded nature of the reason.

sound basis

Focuses on the reliability and stability of the reason.

cogent explanation

Stresses the clarity and convincing nature of the reason.

compelling grounds

Indicates that the reason is persuasive and difficult to argue against.

substantial motive

Highlights the importance and weight of the reason.

definitive cause

Points to a clear and unambiguous reason.

legitimate excuse

Suggests that the reason is acceptable and justifiable.

justifiable cause

Emphasizes the fairness and ethical nature of the reason.

well-founded argument

Highlights that the reason is supported by evidence and logic.

FAQs

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

You can use "firm reason" to describe a strong justification for an action or decision. For example: "She had a firm reason for declining the offer".

What can I say instead of "firm reason"?

You can use alternatives like "solid justification", "valid rationale", or "sound basis" depending on the context.

Is "firm reason" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "firm reason" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the strength and validity of a justification. It's more formal than "good reason".

What is the difference between "firm reason" and "good reason"?

"Firm reason" implies a stronger, more solid justification than "good reason". "Firm" emphasizes the reliability and unshakeable nature of the reasoning.