private reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"private reason" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a motive or a justification that a person doesn't want to share with anyone else. For example: "She didn't want to go to the party, citing a private reason for her refusal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Other GOP contenders bought guns as adults, but for a more private reason: self-protection.

The Washington Post

He also had a more private reason to invest so much significance in the character of young Barnaby.

The Guardian - Books

As Hobbes taught, if private reason is authoritative if each is left to judge for herself what is right we are left with a chaos of conflicting claims.

The Economist

A civil global order would require that private reason be subordinated to public reason that national judgment be subordinated to international law.

The Economist

Everyone, it seems, has their own private reason for disliking the Americans, but the Koreans' latest excuse is more obscure than most.

The Guardian - Sport

Presented with the Elgar Society's medal at the end of the performance, Barenboim gave a rare public hint of one private reason for the evening's intensity.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He shared Steinhardt's contempt for the migrants, but for more complicated, private reasons.

The New Yorker

Asked why she was collecting bottles, Nadine replied: "There are private reasons.

The Guardian

And it turns out that both Carl and Helen have private reasons for being galvanized by this discovery.

The New York Times - Books

This included a protester who told Watt he was there for "private reasons".

The Guardian

Eichmann was properly grateful; in fact, the Jews in his family were among his "private reasons" for not hating Jews.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "private reason" when you want to indicate that someone has a personal motive or justification that they are not willing to share publicly. It adds an element of mystery or discretion to the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "private reason" interchangeably with "personal reason" if you intend to simply indicate a reason relating to someone's individual life. "Private reason" suggests a deliberate withholding of information, whereas "personal reason" is more neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a specific, often undisclosed, cause or motivation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in explaining actions or decisions without revealing details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "private reason" is a noun phrase used to denote a personal and undisclosed motive for an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and serves to explain actions while keeping the specific cause confidential. While "private reason" is more than just a common phrase, it suggests a deliberate withholding of information, setting it apart from more neutral alternatives like "personal reason". It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for both reporting and analytical discussions. When writing, it's advisable to reserve "private reason" for instances where you specifically want to convey the secrecy surrounding a motive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal motive

Focuses on the individual's driving force, emphasizing the personal aspect over the reason itself.

undisclosed reason

Highlights the lack of disclosure, emphasizing that the reason is not being revealed.

secret justification

Implies a hidden explanation or defense for an action.

confidential motive

Indicates that the reason is meant to be kept private and not shared.

unrevealed cause

Emphasizes that the underlying reason or cause remains unknown or unstated.

personal consideration

Suggests a factor or issue that is specific to an individual's circumstances and is taken into account.

hidden agenda

Implies a concealed plan or purpose that influences someone's actions or decisions.

inner motivation

Highlights the internal drive or incentive that prompts someone to act in a particular way.

private agenda

Similar to "hidden agenda" but can also refer to personal goals that are not necessarily secretive.

unspoken rationale

Implies an underlying reason that is not explicitly stated or acknowledged.

FAQs

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

You can use "private reason" to indicate that someone has a personal motive they don't want to disclose. For example, "She declined the invitation, citing a "private reason"."

What are some alternatives to saying "private reason"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "personal motive", "undisclosed reason", or "confidential motive".

Is it more appropriate to use "private reason" or "personal reason"?

Use "private reason" when the reason is intentionally kept secret. Use "personal reason" when you simply want to state that the reason relates to an individual's life without implying secrecy.

What does it mean when someone says they have a "private reason"?

It usually means they have a motive or justification that they are unwilling to share, suggesting the matter is confidential or sensitive.