for the selfsame reason that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the selfsame reason that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two statements or actions share the same justification or rationale. Example: "She decided to leave the meeting early for the selfsame reason that he did: to attend a family commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is for the selfsame reason that I brought Sammy Davis, Jr., Jr., with us.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Transport for London gave final approval to the new segregated "Crossrail for bikes" route from Barking to Acton, a cyclist was injured in a collision with a National Express coach, and Sir John Armitt, a board member for the selfsame TfL, claimed that "the biggest danger to cyclists on the roads in London are actually themselves..

The Guardian - Opinion

Not the least of the problems is that the very governments that would meet to debate the new order would themselves largely be the selfsame governments that failed to control the old one.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was the selfsame day that Senators Obama and Clinton held their 20th debate.

Huffington Post

Michael Kirst, co-editor of Remaking College, and William Doyle, contributor to the selfsame volume, argue that policy reform in K-12 is more stringent because of a remarkable difference of opinion about educational quality and who is responsible for educational achievement in a college or university setting, versus who is responsible in a primary or secondary school setting.

Stanford University

And that's the reason for that.

Stanford University

And that brilliant editor himself hits the selfsame spot, announcing last week that "our new products [a variety of paid-for niche apps] are not achieving the business success we expected, even though they are journalistic sensations".

The Guardian

And, to the extent that you are mindful of your origin in Me, you will know that those around you share the selfsame Source - and that awareness will be part of any true worth and real achievement you cultivate.

Huffington Post

The reason for that is simple.

Independent

What's the reason for that?

The New York Times

What was the reason for that?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the selfsame reason that" in formal writing when you want to emphasize that the reason is identical to one previously stated. It adds a touch of formality and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "for the selfsame reason that" in informal contexts or when simpler alternatives like "for the same reason" or "that's why" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the selfsame reason that" functions as a causal connector, linking two clauses or statements by indicating that they share the same underlying cause or justification. Ludwig shows examples where it introduces an explanation or provides a rationale for a subsequent action or statement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"For the selfsame reason that" is a formal phrase used to connect two statements with an identical underlying cause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct but relatively rare, appearing most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. While precise, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "for the same reason" or "that's why" may be more appropriate in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for that very reason

Omits 'selfsame' for a slightly less formal tone, focusing on the specific reason already mentioned.

for the same reason

Replaces 'selfsame' with 'same', making it more common and less emphatic.

because of that reason

Uses a more direct causal construction with 'because', adding slight emphasis.

due to that reason

Employs 'due to', indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

on account of that reason

Adds a more formal and somewhat archaic tone.

owing to that reason

Another formal option, similar to 'due to' but less common.

that's why

A simple and direct way to express the causal relationship, suitable for informal contexts.

that is why

A slightly more formal version of "that's why", still less formal than the original.

consequently

A concise adverb indicating a result or consequence.

as a result of that

Highlights the result or outcome of the stated reason.

FAQs

What does "for the selfsame reason that" mean?

It means "for the very same reason that". It's used to emphasize that two or more things share an identical cause or justification.

Is it better to say "for the same reason" or "for the selfsame reason that"?

"For the same reason" is more common and generally suitable. "For the selfsame reason that" is more formal and emphatic, implying a precise identity of cause. To achieve readability, consider "for that very reason".

Can I use "for the selfsame reason that" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for the selfsame reason that" is generally too formal for informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "that's why" or "because of that" are usually better choices.

What are some alternatives to "for the selfsame reason that"?

Alternatives include "for that very reason", "for the same reason", "because of that reason", and "due to that reason". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.