have reason to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have reason to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one believes that there is a logical explanation for something. For example, "I have reason to believe that this situation is not as it seems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have reason to worry.

The New Yorker

They have reason to tremble.

The Economist

Okinawans have reason to grumble about that.

The Economist

They have reason to be jumpy, though.

The New Yorker

Political rivals have reason to worry.

The Economist

Investors, too, have reason to rejoice.

The Economist

They also have reason to be afraid.

The New Yorker

They may have reason to be anxious.

The New York Times

They have reason to wonder, and worry.

The Economist

Commercial broadcasters have reason to worry.

Independent

All Tories have reason to thank him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have reason to" to clearly and directly state that there is a valid or logical explanation for a particular emotion, action, or situation. This phrase adds a layer of justification or understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "have reason to" in situations where the reason is extremely obvious or trivial. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or condescending. Opt for a more direct statement when the context is self-explanatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have reason to" functions as a verb phrase introducing an explanation or justification for a subsequent action, emotion, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. This means a person or group has a rational basis for their reaction. Examples in Ludwig showcase its wide application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have reason to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a valid justification or explanation for a feeling, action, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English writing. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic writing, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase in obvious situations. Alternatives such as "have cause to" or "are justified in" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By considering these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "have reason to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have justification to

Emphasizes a stronger, more formal sense of being in the right or having sufficient grounds.

have cause to

Highlights the existence of a specific event or situation that prompts the feeling or action.

have grounds to

Focuses on possessing sufficient evidence or basis for a particular conclusion or action.

have basis to

Similar to "have grounds to", but with a slightly less formal tone.

are entitled to

Suggests that someone has a right or legitimate claim to feel or do something.

are justified in

Highlights the defensibility or moral correctness of a particular feeling or action.

can understand why

Expresses empathy and acknowledges the reasons behind someone's feelings or actions.

it's understandable that

Indicates that a feeling or action is logical or predictable given the circumstances.

it is not surprising that

Implies that a particular outcome or reaction was expected, considering the available information.

there is a good reason to

Directly asserts the existence of a valid justification for a particular action or belief.

FAQs

How to use "have reason to" in a sentence?

Use "have reason to" to indicate that there is a valid justification or explanation for a particular feeling, action, or belief. For example, "They "have reason to worry" about the upcoming changes".

What can I say instead of "have reason to"?

You can use alternatives like "have cause to", "have grounds to", or "are justified in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "have reason to believe" or "have a reason to believe"?

"Have reason to believe" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. "Have a reason to believe" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "have reason to" and "should"?

"Have reason to" indicates that there is a logical justification for something, while "should" expresses an obligation or recommendation. For example, "They "have reason to be cautious" because of the potential risks" suggests a logical basis for caution, whereas "They should be cautious" simply advises caution.