for unexplained reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for unexplained reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or events that occur without a clear or known explanation. Example: "The project was delayed for unexplained reasons, leaving the team frustrated and confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For unexplained reasons, the woman was still taking the drug some time after her wedding.

The New York Times

For unexplained reasons, it didn't make it.

The Guardian

In March, he missed two more games for unexplained reasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Brown's town house was finished in 1894, but for unexplained reasons she never occupied it.

The New York Times

His mother, before she left (for unexplained reasons), told him the same thing.

The New Yorker

The Hale House doctor, for unexplained reasons, was not authorized to write prescriptions.

The New York Times

For unexplained reasons, blacks are more likely than whites to have nitric oxide insufficiency.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, last August, he enrolled at L.S.U. and ran afoul of Brown for unexplained reasons.

The New York Times - Sports

(For unexplained reasons the number was not released until 10am on Monday).

The Economist

For unexplained reasons deaths declined after 1900, sometimes to none per year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Woods' arraignment had been originally scheduled for July 5, but was pushed back to Aug. 9 last week for unexplained reasons.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for unexplained reasons", ensure that the lack of explanation is relevant to the context. Avoid using it as a filler phrase; it should genuinely reflect a missing or unknown element in the sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "for unexplained reasons" as a substitute for thorough investigation or research. While it acknowledges the unknown, it should not be used to mask laziness or a lack of effort in seeking a proper explanation. If further investigation is possible, pursue it before settling on this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for unexplained reasons" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of a known explanation for an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for unexplained reasons" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to indicate a lack of known explanation for an event. Ludwig AI analysis, corroborated by numerous examples, shows that is most commonly used in News & Media, but also Science and Wiki content. While it's a correct and useful phrase, it shouldn't be used as a crutch to cover up the lack of investigation. Understanding the contexts and nuances of this phrase can help writers use it effectively to convey both transparency and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for unknown reasons

Focuses on the absence of knowledge about the reasons.

for reasons unknown

Similar to "for unknown reasons" but with a slightly more formal tone due to the inverted structure.

for reasons not disclosed

Highlights that the reasons are deliberately withheld.

for reasons unspecified

Emphasizes that the reasons were not clearly stated or identified.

for reasons unrevealed

Suggests the reasons are hidden or have not come to light.

mysteriously

Conveys a sense of intrigue or bewilderment surrounding the event.

inexplicably

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of explaining the reasons.

for obscure reasons

Indicates that the reasons are vague, unclear, or not easily understood.

for mysterious reasons

Suggests an element of mystery or intrigue surrounding the reasons.

for some unknown reason

Adds emphasis to the lack of knowledge about the reasons.

FAQs

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

The phrase "for unexplained reasons" is typically used to indicate that something occurred without a clear or known cause. Example: "The flight was delayed "for unexplained reasons", causing frustration among passengers."

What are some alternatives to "for unexplained reasons"?

You can use alternatives such as "for unknown reasons", "inexplicably", or "mysteriously" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "for unexplained reasons" in writing?

It's appropriate when you genuinely do not know the reason for something and want to acknowledge this lack of knowledge to the reader. Avoid using it when you simply haven't bothered to find out the reason.

What's the difference between "for unexplained reasons" and "for undisclosed reasons"?

"For unexplained reasons" suggests the reason is genuinely unknown, while "for undisclosed reasons" implies the reason is known but intentionally not revealed.