pretty good reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty good reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a reasonable justification for something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "She had a pretty good reason for being late to the meeting; her car broke down on the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a pretty good reason I suppose," Ecclestone added.

Independent

Even if you had a pretty good reason.

The New York Times - Books

Nguyen had a pretty good reason for his first semester struggles: He had gone blind.

University of California, Berkeley

This morning, we got a pretty good reason for the delay.

The New York Times

"There would have to be a pretty good reason why the money shouldn't be forfeited.

The Guardian

"And if you're not working, you'd better have a pretty good reason why".

The New York Times - Magazine

So you'd imagine such directors would have a pretty good reason to do it.

The Guardian - Film

Sara Barnes's father, Thomas, said he did have a pretty good reason.

The New York Times - Tech

"Isn't that terrible?" Though it seemed like a pretty good reason to him.

The New Yorker

I thought that was probably a pretty good reason to go do it.

The New York Times - Magazine

If so, Holloway's fate offers a pretty good reason to hold off.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty good reason" to acknowledge the validity of a justification while implying it might not be the best possible reason. This adds nuance to your communication.

Common error

While acceptable in informal contexts, relying too heavily on "pretty good reason" in formal writing can make your arguments seem less convincing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey the importance of the reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty good reason" functions as a noun phrase, where "pretty good" modifies the noun "reason". It typically serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence, providing a justification or explanation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty good reason" is a common phrase used to express that there is an adequate, though perhaps not exceptional, justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for informal settings, more formal contexts may benefit from stronger alternatives like "valid justification" or "reasonable grounds". When using "pretty good reason", consider audience and context to ensure the message is conveyed appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

reasonable grounds

Highlights the logical basis and support for the reason.

sound rationale

Focuses on the well-founded and logical nature of the explanation.

compelling motive

Suggests a strong and persuasive reason behind an action.

legitimate cause

Indicates a lawful and justifiable reason for something.

adequate basis

Implies that there is a sufficient foundation or support for the reason.

sufficient pretext

Suggests a reason that is enough to conceal the real intention.

plausible explanation

Focuses on the believability and credibility of the reason.

tenable argument

Highlights the defensible and sustainable nature of the reason.

defensible justification

Emphasizes that the reason can be defended and supported against criticism.

FAQs

What does "pretty good reason" mean?

The phrase "pretty good reason" suggests that there's an acceptable or adequate justification for something, though perhaps not the most compelling or ideal one. It implies the reason is sufficient but not necessarily outstanding.

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

You can use "pretty good reason" to explain why someone did something or why something is the way it is. For instance, "She had a "pretty good reason" for being late; her train was delayed."

What are some alternatives to "pretty good reason"?

You could use phrases like "valid justification", "reasonable grounds", or "sound rationale" as alternatives to "pretty good reason", depending on the specific context.

Is "pretty good reason" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pretty good reason" is generally more appropriate for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using stronger and more precise alternatives like "compelling motive" or "legitimate cause".