reason for that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason for that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when explaining or justifying a particular situation or decision. Example: "There is a specific reason for that, which I will explain later." Alternative expressions include "cause for that" and "explanation for that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is reason for that.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a reason for that.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a logical reason for that.

The New York Times - Sports

And there is a reason for that.

The New York Times

But there is a reason for that.

The New York Times

There is a good reason for that.

The Economist

And there's a reason for that.

The New York Times

There's a good reason for that.

The Economist

There is good reason for that.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a reason for that.

The New York Times

There's no reason for that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with adjectives like 'good', 'simple', 'logical' or 'scientific' to set the reader's expectations for the explanation that follows.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when the word 'that' refers to a vague or multi-part concept that hasn't been clearly defined. Ensure the reader knows exactly what action or state you are justifying to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

In English, "reason for that" serves as a prepositional phrase where 'reason' is the head noun, 'for' is the preposition and 'that' is a demonstrative pronoun. It functions as a predicative complement or a transitional sentence. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to link an observation to its justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reason for that" is an essential tool for clear communication. Ludwig AI data confirms that it is one of the most effective ways to transition from a statement of fact to an explanation. Whether you are writing a journalistic piece for The New York Times or a scientific paper, this phrase provides a smooth logical bridge. It is universally accepted as correct and is highly versatile, especially when modified by adjectives to provide specific emphasis on the nature of the reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanation for that

Shifts the focus toward clarifying or describing how something occurred.

rationale for that

Implies a more structured or logical set of reasons behind a decision.

justification for that

Suggests that the reason is being provided to defend or validate an action.

cause for that

Focuses more on the mechanical or direct origin of an event.

motive for that

Specifically refers to the psychological or personal intent behind an action.

basis for that

Points to the foundational evidence or starting point for a claim.

grounds for that

Often used in legal or formal contexts to denote a sufficient reason.

logic behind that

Emphasizes the thought process or reasoning strategy involved.

underlying factor for that

Suggests a more complex or hidden cause contributing to the situation.

excuse for that

Implies a reason given to mitigate blame or explain a failure.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "reason for that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "explanation for that", "rationale for that" or "cause for that".

Is it correct to use "reason for that" in formal writing?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. While often found in journalism, it is also frequent in scientific literature when researchers discuss unclear findings, such as saying the "reason for that remains unclear".

What is the difference between "reason for that" and "reason why"?

The phrase "reason for that" usually points back to a previously mentioned statement, while "reason why" typically introduces a new clause explaining a specific event.

How do I use "reason for that" to start a sentence?

You can start with a connector: 'And there is a "reason for that"' or 'Perhaps there is a "good reason for that"' to bridge two related ideas.