reasonable cause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable cause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing justifiable reasons or grounds for a particular action or decision. Example: "The committee found reasonable cause for the investigation into the allegations of misconduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

No proof is required, just reasonable cause for suspicion.

The New York Times

You can't just trawl around for dirt without reasonable cause for specific suspicion.

The Guardian

What could be the government's reasonable cause for excluding gays and lesbians from these benefits?

The Economist

But his productivity going forward while logging that much time at shortstop presented reasonable cause for concern.

The New York Times - Sports

He was positive and empathetic about Islam and Muslims, and wise to avoid giving any reasonable cause for suspicions of "cultural imperialism".

The Guardian - Opinion

The agency generally won't waive interest on any bill due, but it will consider abating penalties if you can show a "reasonable cause" for filing late.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The low proportion of nurses who intend to stay in the profession could be a reasonable cause of concern for the regional health bureau and the respective hospital managements to think about the future of the nursing staff.

BMC Nursing

A grand jury must reach a quorum (in the Ferguson case, for example, nine out of 12) to determine whether reasonable cause exists for the government to bring criminal charges against a defendant.

Huffington Post

The background report, prepared by a juvenile probation supervisor, was required under state law as it existed in 1975, to help Judge Dennis determine whether Mr. Skakel's case meets other criteria -- in addition to her finding of reasonable cause -- for transfer to adult court.

The New York Times

Then, she scheduled a so-called reasonable cause hearing for June 20, and the proceeding was over.

The New York Times

Variables identified as significant through univariable analysis (p c 0.1) and those conceptually regarded as biologically reasonable causes of mortality were considered for inclusion in the multivariable model.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable cause for", ensure that the reason you are providing is based on objective evidence or logical deduction, not just a feeling or hunch. Back up your claim with supporting details to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting speculation as "reasonable cause". Ensure there is sufficient evidence to support the claim. Do not rely solely on assumptions or unsubstantiated rumors.

Linguistic Context

Reasonable cause for functions as a noun phrase that introduces the justification or basis for a subsequent action, belief, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this as the phrase consistently appears in contexts requiring explanation or substantiation. It is often used to provide a legitimate rationale, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable cause for" is a phrase used to indicate a justifiable reason or basis for something. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, legal discussions, and scientific explanations. It is important to ensure the reasons provided are well-supported by evidence. While similar phrases like "justifiable reason for" and "valid basis for" can be used, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that providing speculation without sufficient backing does not constitute "reasonable cause for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable reason for

Replaces "cause" with "reason", emphasizing the rationale behind something while maintaining the same level of formality.

valid basis for

Substitutes "cause" with "basis", highlighting the foundation or support for an action or belief.

legitimate grounds for

Uses "grounds" instead of "cause", suggesting a solid and acceptable foundation for a decision.

sufficient justification for

Emphasizes the adequacy of the reason provided, highlighting that it meets a certain standard.

adequate rationale for

Replaces "cause" with "rationale", focusing on the underlying reasoning and its sufficiency.

good reason for

A more general and slightly less formal way to express a valid reason.

proper justification for

Highlights the appropriateness of the justification in a given context.

sound basis for

Emphasizes the reliability and strength of the foundation or support.

valid motive for

Focuses specifically on the motivation behind an action, implying it is legitimate.

acceptable excuse for

Offers a less formal alternative, suitable when discussing justifications for less serious matters.

FAQs

How is "reasonable cause for" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "reasonable cause for" often refers to the standard required for law enforcement to take certain actions, such as obtaining a warrant or making an arrest. It signifies that there is enough evidence to lead a prudent person to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence related to a crime exists in a specific location.

What's the difference between "reasonable cause for" and probable cause?

"Reasonable cause for" is often considered a lower standard than probable cause. Probable cause requires a higher degree of certainty and is typically needed for arrests and searches. Reasonable suspicion, however, may justify a brief detention or investigation.

What can I say instead of "reasonable cause for" when discussing a decision?

You can use alternatives like "justifiable reason for", "valid basis for", or "legitimate grounds for" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "reasonable cause for" and suspicion?

"Reasonable cause for" implies more than mere suspicion. Suspicion is a hunch or feeling, while "reasonable cause for" requires specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that something is amiss.