reasons for which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasons for which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain the rationale behind a decision or event. For example, "The company moved to a new location for reasons for which the board felt were best for the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few years later they had a falling out, the reasons for which have faded.

The New York Times

You have the same need, and that is one of the reasons for which we understand each other so well.

The New Yorker

Given that all the initial and brilliant developments took place in Daresbury, this was a strange and unfair decision, the reasons for which have never been fully disclosed.

The Guardian

To portray the Goodes incident as a harmless joke is to fail to address the reasons for which the slur surfaced and was repeated with such ease.

The Guardian - Opinion

The danger, of course, is that the nicknames, particularly those with a larky, Runyonesque feel to them, make light of the reasons for which they were acquired.

The Guardian - Opinion

A corrupt system of power in my country is persecuting me for the very same reasons for which I was awarded two international journalism prizes this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the migration from Ur (c. 2000 bc), the reasons for which are unknown, the first important stopping place was Harran, where the caravan remained for some time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fundamentals of his message, delivered often in the vicinity of the Kaʿbah itself, questioned the very reasons for which so many people gathered there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unmanaged climate change is likely  to produce strong movement of people and great conflict, the reasons for which could not easily be switched off," Lord Stern said.

Independent

The reasons for which at times still confused me, but hey, my friends were going, and they sure as heck weren't going without me.

The New York Times

So the fall in prevalence could be purely due to a birth cohort effect, the reasons for which are not fully understood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasons for which" to provide a clear and formal explanation of the causes or motivations behind a particular event or decision. This phrase is particularly effective in academic, legal, or professional contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "reasons for which" in informal conversations or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "why" or "the reasons" often sound more natural and less stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasons for which" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about the reasons behind a particular action, event, or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasons for which" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce explanations or justifications, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a relative clause and is particularly common in formal and scientific writing, although also present in news media and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "the reasons why" in informal settings. Related phrases include ""motives for which"" and ""purposes for which"", which add nuance to the explanation. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, the phrase is widely used across various domains, reinforcing its utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purposes for which

Emphasizes the intended outcome or goal that something is meant to achieve.

rationale for which

Implies a reasoned or logical explanation, often used in formal or academic contexts.

grounds for which

Highlights the basis or foundation upon which a decision or action is made.

causes for which

Directly refers to the factors that led to a particular event or situation.

motives for which

Focuses specifically on the driving force or intention behind an action, rather than a general explanation.

explanations for which

Offers a detailed account or clarification of why something happened or is the way it is.

reasoning behind which

Highlights the thought process or justification used to arrive at a particular decision or conclusion.

justifications for which

Focuses on defending or validating an action or decision, often in response to criticism or questioning.

intentions for which

This option focuses specifically on the planned or desired outcomes.

aims for which

Emphasizes the goals or objectives that are being pursued.

FAQs

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

The phrase "reasons for which" is used to introduce the explanation or justification behind a particular action or event. For example, "The committee was formed for "purposes for which" additional funding was required."

What are some alternatives to "reasons for which"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the "motives for which"", "the "grounds for which"", or simply "the reasons why" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "reasons for which"?

Use "reasons for which" in formal writing or when a more sophisticated tone is desired. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "the reasons why" are often more suitable.

Is "reasons for which" interchangeable with "the reasons why"?

While both phrases convey the same basic meaning, "reasons for which" is typically considered more formal and is often preferred in academic or professional writing. "The reasons why" is more common in everyday conversation and informal contexts.