provide a reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to explain the justification or rationale behind a decision or action. Example: "Please provide a reason for your absence from the meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

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

In a statement that was included in automatic-generated email, Ms. Williams did not provide a reason for leaving Komen.

The New York Times

Negative answers could indicate proprietary trading and provide a reason for bank examiners to descend on a trading desk.

The New York Times

None of this is to dismiss efforts at ethical investment, provide a reason for apathy, or attempt to put charities off.

The Guardian

Landlords, too, are feasting on a favorable market, with no cap on yearly rent increases, and no obligation to provide a reason for evicting a tenant.

The Guardian

Anyone can challenge a Pennsyvlania voter's eligibility, and while the challenger must provide a reason for the challenge, he does not have to provide evidence supporting that reason.

The Economist

A spokesman for the United States Embassy, Drake Weisert, did not provide a reason for Mr. Nyi Nyi Aung's release but said, "We welcome that development".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when "providing a reason for" something. Tailor your explanation to their level of understanding and adjust the complexity of your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "provide a reason for" when the reason is already self-evident. Redundant explanations can make your writing seem patronizing or unnecessarily verbose. Be direct and trust your audience to understand the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a reason for" functions as a request or requirement for justification. It is often used when seeking an explanation or rationale behind an action, decision, or event. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide a reason for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that calls for justification or explanation. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and professional domains. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the reason given is clear, concise, and relevant to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "give an explanation for" or "offer a justification for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an explanation for

Replaces "provide" with "give" and "reason" with "explanation", focusing on the act of clarifying.

offer a justification for

Substitutes "provide" with "offer" and "reason" with "justification", emphasizing the defense of an action or decision.

supply a rationale for

Uses "supply" instead of "provide" and "rationale" in place of "reason", highlighting the logical basis.

present grounds for

Emphasizes the act of presenting a basis or foundation for something.

advance an argument for

Focuses on presenting a reasoned set of claims in support of something.

state the cause of

Shifts the focus to identifying the direct cause or origin of something.

explain the motives behind

Highlights the underlying intentions or driving forces.

itemize the factors contributing to

Breaks down the different elements that have an influence.

detail the logic of

Emphasizes the step-by-step reasoning.

clarify the purpose of

Focuses on making the objectives or goals easier to understand.

FAQs

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

Use "provide a reason for" when you want someone to explain why something happened or why a decision was made. For instance, "The company must "provide a reason for" the sudden change in policy".

What are some alternatives to "provide a reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "give an explanation for", "offer a justification for", or "supply a rationale for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "provide a reason for" in formal writing?

"Provide a reason for" is suitable for formal writing when you need a clear and direct way to request or state the justification behind an action, decision, or event. It's appropriate in business reports, legal documents, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "provide a reason for" and "explain why"?

"Provide a reason for" directly asks for the rationale, whereas "explain why" broadens the request to include a more detailed account. While they're similar, "provide a reason for" is often more concise and to the point.