reason to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the cause or purpose of an action. For example: "She had good reason to stay away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No reason to it.

Independent

Another reason to quit".

Independent

Reason to Choose Optimism.

The New York Times

Another reason to give?

The New York Times

No reason to panic.

The New York Times

One reason to watch?

The New York Times

No reason to.

The New York Times - Sports

A reason to celebrate?

The New York Times

Anyway, there's reason to hope.

The New Yorker

They had reason to cheer.

The Economist

He has reason to worry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reason to" followed by a verb to clearly express purpose or justification for an action or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "reason to" when a simple 'because' clause would suffice. Overusing "reason to" can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for direct causal connections when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason to" functions as a connector to indicate purpose, justification, or motivation. It introduces an infinitive phrase that explains why something is done or why someone holds a particular belief. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reason to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express purpose, justification, or motivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in written English. Examples demonstrate its prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, and its suitability for neutral to professional registers. When directness is key, consider alternatives like "because". Overall, "reason to" provides a clear and effective way to convey the underlying rationale for an action or belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for

This alternative focuses on the underlying cause or origin of a feeling or action, shifting the emphasis from a conscious reason to a more fundamental basis.

justification for

This alternative implies a more formal or defensive explanation for an action or belief, suggesting a need to defend or rationalize it.

grounds for

This alternative suggests a legal or factual basis for an action or decision, implying a more structured and reasoned approach.

basis for

This alternative refers to the foundation or support upon which something rests, highlighting the fundamental nature of the reason.

motivation for

This alternative emphasizes the internal drive or incentive behind an action, focusing on the psychological aspect of the reason.

rationale for

This alternative suggests a logical and coherent explanation, emphasizing the reasoning and thought process behind an action.

motive for

This alternative hones in on the specific intent or purpose behind an action, particularly when there may be suspicion or doubt.

excuse for

This alternative implies a weaker or less valid justification, often used when trying to mitigate blame or criticism.

pretext for

This alternative suggests a false or concealed reason, implying deception or ulterior motives.

impetus for

This alternative signifies the driving force or initial stimulus behind an action, focusing on the origin of the reason.

FAQs

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

The phrase "reason to" is typically followed by a verb to indicate a cause, justification, or purpose for an action. For example, "There's no "reason to panic"" or "He has "reason to worry"".

What are some alternatives to "reason to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "cause for", "justification for", "basis for", or "motivation for" as alternatives to "reason to".

Is it grammatically correct to use "reason to believe"?

Yes, "reason to believe" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that there is evidence or justification for holding a particular belief.

What is the difference between "reason to" and "reason for"?

"Reason to" is typically followed by a verb, indicating a purpose or action, while "reason for" is followed by a noun, indicating a cause or explanation. For example, "reason to celebrate" versus "reason for the celebration".