provide a reason

USAGE SUMMARY

'provide a reason' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you are asking someone for a justification or explanation. For example: "Can you provide a reason why you missed the deadline?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The court did not provide a reason.

The New York Times

For the Thompsons, parties provide a reason to barbecue.

The New York Times

But K.K.R.'s experience may provide a reason for optimism.

The New York Times

The companies did not provide a reason for the termination of the deal.

The New York Times

Those who bid little felt it necessary to provide a reason, like being a poor student.

The New York Times

When approached by Gawker, the Mail declined to provide a reason.

The Guardian

Analysts said Mr. Bernanke's words could provide a reason for the upward momentum to continue.

The New York Times

Before you can deactivate your account, Facebook asks you to provide a reason for quitting.

The New York Times - Tech

Banks are required to provide a reason for rejecting an applicant.

The New York Times

The officials did not provide a reason, Mr. Liao said, adding, "I was politely treated".

The New York Times

You don't have to provide a reason not to renew the contracts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a reason" in formal writing, ensure the reason is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the statement or question it addresses. Use specific language to avoid ambiguity and enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when you can use active voice with "provide a reason". For example, instead of "A reason was provided by the company", write "The company provided a reason" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a reason" functions as a verb phrase where "provide" is the verb indicating the action of giving or supplying, and "a reason" is the noun phrase specifying what is being given. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a reason" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that means to offer an explanation or justification. Ludwig AI indicates its prevalence across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. It's crucial to use clear and concise language when providing a reason to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "give an explanation" or "offer a justification" exist, "provide a reason" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice. Be mindful of using active voice for clarity and ensure the reason is relevant and specific. Top sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an explanation

Focuses more on the act of explaining rather than the reason itself; more general.

offer a justification

Implies a need to defend or vindicate an action or decision.

supply an explanation

Similar to give an explanation but suggests a more formal or structured offering.

offer an account

Implies providing a detailed narrative or report of events.

state the grounds

More formal and legalistic, emphasizing the basis or foundation for something.

present the rationale

Focuses on the underlying logic or reasoning behind a decision or action.

furnish the details

Emphasizes providing specific and comprehensive information.

set forth the cause

More formal and archaic, highlighting the origin or source of something.

advance an argument

Suggests presenting a reasoned set of claims in support of a position.

explain the why

A more colloquial and direct way of asking for or giving a reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a reason" when you need to explain or justify something. For instance, "The court did not "provide a reason" for the termination of the deal."

What are some alternatives to "provide a reason"?

Alternatives include "give an explanation", "offer a justification", or "supply an explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "give a reason" or "provide a reason"?

Both "give a reason" and "provide a reason" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Provide a reason" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "give a reason", but the choice often depends on the context and personal preference.

In what situations is it necessary to "provide a reason"?

It's necessary to "provide a reason" when explaining a decision, justifying an action, or offering an explanation for an event. This is common in legal, professional, and academic contexts where transparency and accountability are important.