for what reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"for what reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask for an explanation about why something has happened or is happening. For example: "For what reason did you buy that item?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for what reason?

The Guardian - Film

NIXON (surprised): For what reason?

The New Yorker

For what reason do women seek these procedures?

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

For what reason was it never destroyed?

The New Yorker

For what reason are holidays created?

The New York Times

You might well ask: for what reason?

The Guardian

For what reason, I don't know.

The New York Times - Style

The question is: for what reason?

The Guardian - Books

I don't know why, for what reason.

The New York Times

For what reason, he did not know.

The New York Times

For what reason will this ever stop?

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for what reason" when seeking a formal or direct explanation. It is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Consider using "why" in more informal settings.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "for what reason" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "why" or "how come" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for what reason" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question that seeks the cause, justification, or explanation for a particular action, event, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for what reason" serves as a formal inquiry into the cause or justification behind an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives like "why" may be more appropriate for casual conversations. When choosing between "for what reason" and its alternatives, consider the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why is that

This is a more concise and informal way to ask for the reason.

what is the explanation

This phrase is a straightforward request for clarification.

what's the justification

This option directly asks for a reasoned explanation or defense.

what prompted this

This option seeks to uncover the immediate trigger or catalyst for an event.

on what grounds

This phrase implies a more formal or legal context, asking about the basis or justification for an action or decision.

what were the motives

This phrase delves into the underlying intentions or desires behind an action.

what's the cause

This alternative focuses on identifying the origin or root of something.

by what logic

This alternative challenges the reasoning or rationale behind something.

to what end

This phrase inquires about the purpose or goal behind an action.

how come

This is a very informal and colloquial way of asking "why".

FAQs

How can I use "for what reason" in a sentence?

"For what reason" is typically used to directly inquire about the cause or purpose behind an action or event. For instance, "For what reason was the meeting postponed?" or "The contract was terminated, but for what reason?"

What are some alternatives to "for what reason"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "why is that", "on what grounds", or "what's the justification".

Is "for what reason" more formal than "why"?

Yes, "for what reason" is generally considered more formal than the simple "why". It is often preferred in professional, academic, or legal settings where a direct and somewhat emphatic inquiry is appropriate.

When should I use "for what reason" instead of "why"?

Use "for what reason" when you want to emphasize the need for a clear and justified explanation, especially in situations where there might be doubt or contention. In casual conversation, "why" is usually sufficient.