for unknown reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for unknown reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unable or unwilling to explain why something happened or is the case. For example, "He abruptly stopped speaking, for unknown reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For unknown reasons — excellent taste?

The New Yorker

For unknown reasons, women are affected more often than men.

The New York Times - Health

For unknown reasons, it affects women more often than men.

The New York Times - Health

Intellectuals, for unknown reasons, were more subject to that malady.

The New Yorker

But, for unknown reasons, SARS has largely spared children.

The New York Times - Science

The problem arose when cables got crossed for "unknown reasons".

The Guardian

They kept breaking out again and again for unknown reasons.

The New Yorker

For unknown reasons, it strikes more women than men.

The New York Times - Health

"Most of these problems are for unknown reasons".

The Guardian

For unknown reasons, this response can go awry.

The New York Times - Health

But for unknown reasons these contacts did not pan out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for unknown reasons" when you genuinely lack information about the cause or explanation of something. Avoid using it as a substitute for laziness in research or investigation. When you use this phrase, provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse of "for unknown reasons" in formal or academic writing. Strive to investigate and provide possible explanations or acknowledge the need for further research instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for unknown reasons" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a lack of explanation for an action or event. It indicates that the cause is not known or specified. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for unknown reasons" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of understanding or explanation for an event or situation. As Ludwig confirms, it effectively conveys that the cause is either not known or not being disclosed. While versatile, it's most prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. While often used, it's vital to avoid overuse in formal writing, potentially replacing it with more descriptive alternatives when appropriate. The frequency of usage and the phrase’s acceptance in standard English, according to Ludwig, solidifies its place as a useful tool for conveying uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for unexplained reasons

Replaces "unknown" with "unexplained", emphasizing that the reasons haven't been clarified.

for unspecified reasons

Indicates the reasons were not explicitly stated.

for reasons not understood

Emphasizes the lack of comprehension regarding the reasons.

for indeterminate reasons

Highlights that the reasons are not precisely established or defined.

for reasons that remain unclear

Highlights the continuing ambiguity surrounding the reasons.

for reasons that are obscure

Indicates that the reasons are vague or not easily apparent.

mysteriously

Uses an adverb to imply the unknown nature of the reasons, suggesting an element of mystery.

inexplicably

Similar to mysteriously, but with a stronger sense of being impossible to explain.

without a discernible cause

Focuses on the absence of a clear or identifiable cause.

for some undisclosed reason

Suggests the reason is deliberately kept secret, adding an element of intrigue.

FAQs

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

You can use "for unknown reasons" to indicate a lack of explanation or understanding. For example, "The project was suddenly cancelled, "for unknown reasons"."

What are some alternatives to "for unknown reasons"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for unexplained reasons", "inexplicably", or "mysteriously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "for unknown reasons"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "for unknown reasons" can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better placed in the middle or end of the sentence for better flow.

What's the difference between "for unknown reasons" and "for no apparent reason"?

"For unknown reasons" implies that there might be a reason, but it's not known. "For no apparent reason" suggests that there doesn't seem to be any reason at all, even if one might exist. Although sometimes interchangeable, the distinction lies in the degree of perceived causality.