reason for which

USAGE SUMMARY

'reason for which' is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, "I can't accept your offer, due to the financial reason for which it was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That didn't suit the reason for which we had already gone to get him.

The Guardian - Sport

It sounds nuts, but it is the very reason for which Christ was born.

The New Yorker

"That's enough of a reason for which to stand up and applaud Rouhani".

The Guardian

This, surely, is reason for which we can love sport, and excuse its excesses.

The New York Times

Instead, the notion of ikigai — "the reason for which you wake up in the morning" — suffuses people's entire adult lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Certain organs report this morning that José Mourinho has identified the reason for which Chelsea have been wandering like haggard goons since the start of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

What I do know is Beuys frequently used felt in his work, the reason for which he related in an oft-repeated (albeit fabricated) story.

The Guardian - Arts

Langton also criticised the length of time it took for Zurich to make clear the reason for which it was rejecting the claims.

The Guardian - Money

That almost certainly had to do with the other reason for which the journalist is known – his fearless investigation of the Sicilian mafia.

The Guardian

The ambassador, Agus Salim, was ready with his riposte: "That, your excellency, is the reason for which the West conquered the world!" Indeed.

The New York Times

Added Bochkarev: ”FORBES was a big help, a big reason, for which I’m very thankful.”.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reason for which", ensure the sentence maintains a clear and logical flow. Avoid overly complex sentence structures that can obscure the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "reason for which" in unnecessarily complex sentences. Simpler constructions, such as "the reason why" or "because", can often improve clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason for which" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a clause that provides an explanation or cause to the main clause. It specifies the particular reason related to a preceding statement or situation, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reason for which" serves to introduce a clause that explains the cause or justification behind something. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in formal writing, particularly in science, news and media, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "the reason why" or "because" exist, "reason for which" is preferred for its explicitness in specifying causality. Therefore, while perfectly acceptable, writers should consider whether a simpler alternative might enhance clarity in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for which

Directly indicates the event or circumstance that leads to a particular result.

purpose for which

Emphasizes the intended aim or goal behind an action or decision.

motive for which

Focuses specifically on the underlying motivation behind an action or decision, rather than a general cause.

the rationale behind

Focuses on the logical or reasoned basis for something.

justification for which

Emphasizes the act of providing reasons to defend or validate something.

ground for which

Highlights the foundational basis or support for a particular action or belief.

the impetus for

Highlights what prompts or initiates a particular action.

grounds for which

Similar to 'ground for which' but can imply multiple reasons or supporting factors.

basis upon which

Indicates the foundation or justification upon which something is based.

the why of

A more concise and informal way to refer to the underlying reason or purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "reason for which" is typically used to introduce a clause that explains the cause or justification for a preceding statement. For example, "The primary "cause for which" the project was delayed was lack of funding."

Is "reason for which" formal or informal?

"Reason for which" is generally considered more formal. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "the reason why" or simply "because" might be more appropriate.

What are some common alternatives to "reason for which"?

Alternatives include "the reason why", "the "purpose for which"", "the "cause of"", or simply using "because" or "since" to introduce the explanation.

Is it grammatically correct to use "reason for which"?

Yes, using "reason for which" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and that the phrase effectively connects the reason to the action or situation being described.