reason enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey that something is sufficient reason to do or not do something. For example, "I wanted to go to the party, but having to stay up late was reason enough to stay home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be reason enough.

The New York Times

Reason enough to pull together.

The Economist

Not reason enough.

The New York Times - Tech

Reason enough to repaint.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's reason enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reason enough, really.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reason enough, perhaps, to learn the language.

The Economist

Reason enough, perhaps, to organise riots.

The Economist

That is reason enough to fly.

The New Yorker

That should be reason enough".

The New York Times

Après-slush is reason enough.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reason enough" to succinctly convey that a particular factor is a sufficient justification for a decision, action, or belief. It adds a tone of finality or decisiveness.

Common error

While "reason enough" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem dismissive or overly simplistic. Opt for more nuanced phrasing like "sufficient justification" or "compelling rationale" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason enough" primarily functions as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (often "be"). It indicates that a preceding statement or condition constitutes a sufficient justification or explanation. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reason enough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to provide justification or validation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it follows standard grammatical rules and is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, its use should be tempered in highly formal settings where more nuanced phrasing may be preferred. Alternatives such as ""sufficient reason"" or "adequate justification" can be used to vary expression. The phrase's simplicity contributes to its widespread use, but careful consideration of the context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient reason

Emphasizes the adequacy of the reason.

adequate justification

Focuses on the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

ample cause

Highlights the abundance and strength of the cause.

good grounds

Suggests a solid and defensible basis for action.

justifiable motive

Points to a defensible and understandable motivation.

sufficient grounds

Similar to 'good grounds', indicating a solid basis.

compelling rationale

Emphasizes the persuasiveness and logic of the reason.

valid justification

Stresses the legitimacy and soundness of the reason.

legitimate basis

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptability of the foundation.

ample justification

Highlights the abundance and satisfactoriness of the justification.

FAQs

How to use "reason enough" in a sentence?

You can use "reason enough" to indicate that something is a sufficient justification for a particular action or belief. For example, "The long commute was "sufficient reason" for him to quit his job."

What can I say instead of "reason enough"?

You can use alternatives like ""sufficient reason"", "adequate justification", or "ample cause" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "reason enough" formal or informal?

"Reason enough" is generally considered appropriate for both neutral and informal contexts. In more formal or academic writing, alternatives such as "sufficient justification" or "compelling rationale" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "reason enough" and "sufficient reason"?

While "reason enough" and ""sufficient reason"" are very similar in meaning, "reason enough" often carries a slightly more emphatic or decisive tone. "Sufficient reason" may be perceived as more neutral and objective.