for pragmatic reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for pragmatic reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining a decision or action that is based on practical considerations rather than theoretical or emotional ones. Example: "The committee decided to implement the new policy for pragmatic reasons, as it would streamline operations and reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Canaletto came to Britain for pragmatic reasons.

The Guardian - Arts

Political elites, meanwhile, have lost interest for pragmatic reasons.

The New York Times

Others pick an identity for pragmatic reasons rather than religious.

The Guardian - Books

Russia is turning to the West for pragmatic reasons.

The Guardian

Sometimes adulthood is set inconsistently for pragmatic reasons.

The New York Times

They preach moderation, not abstinence, for pragmatic reasons.

The Guardian

But he does demand change, not least for pragmatic reasons.

The New York Times - Books

Asked whether conservatives were backing the governor's proposals for pragmatic reasons, Mr. Goldsmith said: "Sure.

The New York Times

For pragmatic reasons (she was already a bestseller), he mainly held his tongue.

The Guardian - Books

He chose "Godot" over "Eleutheria" partly for pragmatic reasons: "Godot" had far fewer characters.

The New York Times

Johns Hopkins was also a natural choice for pragmatic reasons, Mr. Wrong said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for pragmatic reasons", ensure the context clearly outlines the practical benefits or necessities driving the decision. Avoid vague uses where the reasons aren't evident.

Common error

Avoid using "for pragmatic reasons" as a filler phrase. Always provide specific, understandable justifications for why a practical approach was necessary. Otherwise, the phrase loses its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for pragmatic reasons" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to provide the reason or rationale behind an action. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase clarifies that a decision was based on practical considerations rather than theoretical ones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for pragmatic reasons" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to justify decisions based on practicality rather than theory. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. When writing, ensure the context clearly supports the pragmatic justification. Although the phrase is used in a variety of contexts, remember to focus on clarity to ensure effective communication. While suitable alternatives exist, "for pragmatic reasons" offers a clear and formal way to express sensible decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for practical considerations

Focuses more on the practicality of the reasons.

due to realistic factors

Emphasizes the realistic nature of the influencing factors.

based on sensible rationale

Highlights the sensible and logical basis for the decision.

out of expediency

Suggests a decision made for the sake of convenience or efficiency, potentially implying a compromise.

for the sake of efficiency

Directly points to efficiency as the driving factor.

in the interest of practicality

Highlights the concept of practicality being the most important factor.

given the circumstances

Indicates that the situation necessitated a particular course of action.

as a matter of course

Suggests the decision was a standard procedure or logical next step.

on account of feasibility

Emphasizes the feasibility aspect of the decision-making process.

by virtue of necessity

Emphasizes a required action due to pressing need.

FAQs

How can I use "for pragmatic reasons" in a sentence?

Use "for pragmatic reasons" to explain that a decision was based on practical considerations. For example, "The company chose the cheaper option "for pragmatic reasons", as it needed to cut costs".

What are some alternatives to "for pragmatic reasons"?

Alternatives include "for practical reasons", "due to realistic factors", or "out of expediency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "for pragmatic reasons" or "for practical reasons"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""for pragmatic reasons"" is slightly more formal. "For practical reasons" is generally more common and easier to understand.

What does it mean when something is done "for pragmatic reasons"?

It means that the action or decision was taken because it was the most sensible or practical option available, considering the circumstances and potential outcomes. It prioritizes usefulness and effectiveness over theoretical ideals.