specific reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific reason why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to inquire about a particular justification or explanation for something. Example: "Can you provide me with a specific reason why you made that decision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

There's not a specific demand signal or specific reason why we're sending her up there.

The Washington Post

There is no specific reason why transport should be funded by transport revenues alone.

The Economist

Asked for a specific reason why ­McKiernan was being removed, Gates said: "Nothing went wrong and there was nothing specific".

The Guardian

There is usually a specific reason why they don't like heights, so we can talk it through.

The Guardian - Travel

There is a very specific reason why Israel Rank has been shrouded in reticence and unspoken embarrassment.

The Guardian - Film

"There's a specific reason why it has been difficult to play in Giants Stadium -- grass has been the No. 1 issue," said the federation spokesman, Jim Moorhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This article discusses five specific reasons why this should be.

Tectonophysics

Asked for specific reasons why things have gone so wrong, he replied: "I'm not really sure.

The Guardian - Sport

There are specific reasons why we believe that Admiral will find the going more difficult than most.

The Guardian - Business

If there are no local neon signs, find out if there are specific reasons why, such as local regulations against them.

The New York Times

Under the cover of "national security concerns", we will never know the specific reasons why the planned $10bn sale was blocked.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific reason why", ensure that the context necessitates a clear and particular explanation, rather than a general overview.

Common error

Avoid using "specific reason why" in situations where a general explanation would suffice. Using it in broad contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or cumbersome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific reason why" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a clause that provides a detailed explanation. It emphasizes that there is a particular cause or motive for something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific reason why" is a versatile phrase used to introduce detailed explanations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives exist, such as "precise explanation" or "particular cause", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse in general statements to maintain clarity and precision. The phrase functions as an adverbial element, often eliciting an in-depth answer, and its formality varies based on the source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise reason for

Adds emphasis to the accuracy and clarity of the reason.

particular cause

Changes the focus to the 'cause' rather than the 'reason', implying a more direct relationship.

a clear explanation for

Focuses on the need for an easily understood explanation.

precise explanation

Emphasizes the need for a clear and accurate explanation.

exact motive

Focuses on the underlying motivation behind an action.

detailed justification

Highlights the requirement for a thorough and comprehensive justification.

definite rationale

Suggests a clear and established set of principles or reasons.

clear grounds for

Indicates evident and solid reasons or basis for something.

the underlying cause of

Shifts the focus to the fundamental cause of something, often more deeply rooted.

the reason being

Offers a more concise way to introduce the reason for something.

FAQs

How can I use "specific reason why" in a sentence?

Use "specific reason why" to introduce a detailed explanation or cause. For example, "The "specific reason why" the project failed was due to lack of funding." It emphasizes that there's a distinct and identifiable cause.

What's a good alternative to "specific reason why"?

Alternatives include "precise explanation", "particular cause", or "exact motive", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each option offers a slightly different emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

Which is more appropriate: "specific reason why" or "general reason why"?

"Specific reason why" is used when you need a detailed explanation, while "general reason why" is suitable for broad explanations. The choice depends on the context and the level of detail required. For example "There is no "general reason why"".

How does "specific reason why" differ from "the reason is"?

"Specific reason why" calls for a detailed explanation, whereas "the reason is" simply introduces a reason without necessarily implying detail. "Specific reason why" sets an expectation for a more in-depth justification.