reason upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basis or justification for a particular argument or decision. Example: "The reason upon which the committee made its decision was the overwhelming evidence presented during the hearings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The determination of the human end as beatitude says very little about the first principles of practical reason upon which specific moral judgments should be based.

SEP

It should be pointed out that the word "significant point or pattern" was stated by most of the test takers to explain the reason upon which they attempted to interpret the information in the graph.

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Through the discussion of historical reality, and historical reason, the ground upon which historical knowledge has been based for Ortega becomes apparent.

SEP

clause is intended to include each of the reasons in a long chain of reasoning leading to the belief to count as reasons upon which the belief is based.

SEP

This story tells the tale of its author's loss of "the wings of experience," the burden and beauty and blessing of the love of a woman something that was denied to Henry James for a complex of reasons, upon which the Freudians, especially during the nineteen-thirties, liked to get their eager fingers.

The New Yorker

They did not consider the existence of God a mere opinion or guess but a truth accessible to reason – a truth upon which they based the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isolated from their own community – whether that be the LGBT community or their own older peers – but also cut off for a variety reasons from services upon which they are increasingly reliant.

The Guardian

So there is no deeper account of special obligations: truths about reasons and the relationships upon which they supervene are self-evident.

SEP

Now that my sons are (mostly) grown, my primary role is no longer caretaker, but rather some combination of sounding board, cheerleader, occasional voice of reason and very occasional shoulder upon which to cry.

Huffington Post

Registry studies (i.e., based on administrative health data), such as the current study, are useful for several reasons, foremost being the information upon which to base policy recommendations, public awareness activities, health promotion and prevention strategies, health resource planning, and research priorities.

BMC Geriatrics

With such cases, the goal of the competent observer is to advance beyond debate about contested factual details of the past (the noise of what happened) and, by process of induction, to identify wider issues of principle and precedent upon which to make reasoned improvements (the signal to guide what should happen differently in the future and why).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more concise alternatives like "basis for" or "reason why" in most contexts to improve clarity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "reason upon which" in informal writing. This phrase is generally perceived as overly formal and can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating the foundation or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reason upon which" is grammatically sound but often considered formal. Ludwig AI shows it's used to provide justifications, frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. While correct, simpler alternatives like "reason why" or "basis for" might be preferred for clarity. It's essential to consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "reason upon which" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis for which

This alternative is more concise and direct, omitting 'reason' while retaining the core meaning of a foundation or justification.

grounds for which

Similar to 'basis for which', this substitute emphasizes the justification or rationale underlying a decision or belief.

reason why

This substitute is simpler and more commonly used, focusing on the explanation or cause of something.

rationale behind

This focuses on the underlying logic or principles that justify a decision or action, implying a more formal or considered approach.

justification for

This alternative clearly indicates that there is an objective of proving something to be reasonable.

the cause of

This option is straightforward, identifying a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

the why

A more informal and abbreviated way to ask for or explain the reasons behind something.

the explanation for

This version emphasizes the act of clarifying or making something understandable.

the motivation behind

This focuses on the driving force or incentive that prompts a particular action or decision.

the purpose of

This highlights the intended aim or goal that something is meant to achieve.

FAQs

What does "reason upon which" mean?

The phrase "reason upon which" refers to the basis, justification, or cause for something. It indicates the underlying explanation or rationale for a particular action, belief, or decision.

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

You can use "reason upon which" to introduce the basis for a decision or argument. For example: "The reason upon which the committee made its decision was the overwhelming evidence presented during the hearings."

What are some alternatives to "reason upon which"?

Alternatives to "reason upon which" include "basis for which", "grounds for which", or simply "reason why". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "reason upon which" grammatically correct?

Yes, "reason upon which" is grammatically correct, although it can sound somewhat formal or archaic. In many cases, a more concise alternative might be preferable.