good reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"good reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when your are trying to explain why something is happening, such as "He is not here today for good reason".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

For good reason.

The New York Times

He had good reason.

The New York Times

They have good reason.

The New York Times

Perhaps with good reason.

The Economist

And with good reason.

The New York Times - Sports

A very good reason".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Good reasons".

The New York Times

Well, for good reasons.

The New York Times

There are good reasons.

The New York Times

They had two good reasons.

The New York Times

There are three good reasons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good reason" to clearly and concisely justify actions, decisions, or situations to enhance understanding and acceptance.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there's a "good reason" without elaborating. Always provide the specific details of the reason to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "There's a good reason for the delay", explain "The delay is due to unforeseen technical difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good reason" functions as a noun phrase that offers justification or explanation for an action, event, or belief. Ludwig highlights its common usage for providing a rationale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good reason" is a common phrase used to provide justification or explanation. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While it's versatile, always provide specific details after stating "good reason" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "valid justification" or "sufficient grounds" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, it's a reliable phrase for clearly stating the basis for an action or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid justification

Focuses on the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

sufficient grounds

Highlights the adequacy and strength of the reasoning.

legitimate cause

Emphasizes the lawfulness and authenticity of the reason.

justifiable motive

Highlights the ethical or moral basis for the reason.

sound explanation

Emphasizes the logical coherence and clarity of the reason.

ample cause

Focuses on the abundance and compelling nature of the reason.

solid basis

Emphasizes the firmness and reliability of the underlying reason.

warranted rationale

Highlights that the reasoning is officially permitted or justified.

acceptable explanation

Emphasizes that the rationale can be considered admissible.

understandable cause

Stresses that the reasoning or cause is easy to accept and comprehend.

FAQs

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

You can use "good reason" to explain why something is the way it is or why someone did something. For instance, "She declined the offer for "good reason"—it didn't meet her salary expectations."

What are some alternatives to using "good reason"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "valid justification", "sufficient grounds", or "legitimate cause" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the reason.

Is it more formal to say "good reason" or "valid reason"?

While both are acceptable, "valid reason" may sound slightly more formal, particularly in professional or academic contexts. "Good reason" is generally suitable for everyday conversation and writing.

When should I elaborate after saying "good reason"?

It's best practice to always elaborate after stating "good reason". Providing specific details ensures clarity and avoids leaving the reader to guess the actual reason. For example, instead of just stating "He was absent for "good reason"", explain "He was absent due to a family emergency".