give a reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to explain why something is true or why they are doing something. For example: "Can you give a reason why you decided to go to this college?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You didn't have to give a reason".

The New York Times

"I don't need to give a reason".

The New York Times

The message did not give a reason.

The Washington Post

They refused to give a reason.

The New York Times

AT&T did not give a reason.

The New York Times

He refused to give a reason.

The New York Times

Doctors could not give a reason for the blindness.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The statement did not give a reason for his release.

The New York Times

The Pentagon did not give a reason for the delay.

The New York Times

Declining to give a reason was probably a tactical error.

The New York Times

"They didn't give a reason," Mr. Washington said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give a reason", ensure the reason provided is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. Avoid vague or ambiguous justifications.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "give a reason" without actually providing the reason itself. Ensure the reason is articulated clearly and comprehensively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a reason" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing an explanation or justification for something. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a reason" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to request or provide an explanation for something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to ensure the reason provided is clear and well-articulated. Alternatives such as "provide an explanation" or "offer a justification" can be used to vary your language. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively use "give a reason" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an explanation

Replaces 'reason' with 'explanation', focusing on clarifying something.

offer a justification

Emphasizes the act of defending or legitimizing something.

supply a rationale

More formal; 'rationale' suggests a logical basis.

state your grounds

Presents the basis or foundation for an action or belief.

elucidate the motive

Focuses on clarifying the underlying cause or intention.

account for

Explain why something is as it is.

clarify the basis

Highlights the need to make the foundation or support clear.

itemize the causes

Implies listing or detailing multiple reasons.

spell out the why

Informal way of saying to clearly explain the reason.

render an account

Similar to providing an explanation, but often more formal or official.

FAQs

How can I use "give a reason" in a sentence?

You can use "give a reason" when you want someone to explain why they did something or why something is true. For example, "Can you give a reason why you chose this option?"

What are some alternatives to "give a reason"?

Alternatives include "provide an explanation", "offer a justification", or "supply a rationale", depending on the level of formality and context.

Is it always necessary to "give a reason" when asked?

While providing a reason is often helpful and expected, there are situations where you may choose not to "give a reason", especially if it's personal or confidential. However, declining to do so may have consequences.

What makes a good reason when you "give a reason"?

A good reason should be logical, relevant, and supported by evidence or clear reasoning. It should also be understandable and persuasive to the audience.