state the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"state the reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to explain why something has happened or why they have done something. For example, "Can you state the reason why you missed the deadline?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The judge's order did not state the reason for the change in custody, The A.P. reported, and all transcripts of the proceedings were sealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Although you don't need to state the reason you left on your CV, be prepared to talk about it at interview if asked.

The Guardian

For example, the president must notify Congress within five days of authorizing the surveillance, name the entity that poses the threat and state the reason for believing the attack is imminent.

The New York Times

It beggars belief that Chelsea would wash their hands of one of the great footballers of his time for such an apparently trivial offence, and the club refused to reveal any details – "We do not intend to state the reason for our decision and have nothing more to say on the matter," insisted their assistant secretary – but that does indeed seem to be the case.

The Guardian - Sport

Next, we state the reason the grayscale wave transformation can reduce the impact of uneven lighting.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If you cannot complete corrective action within 15 working days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will complete the corrections.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The purpose was to identify the fracture origin and to state the reasons for failure.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

Sometimes a government has to make policies based on, for example, societal reasons, says the committee, but it must clearly state the reasons if it rejects scientific advice.

Science Magazine

State the reasons why you feel this way.

Huffington Post

She added, "We are not required to state the reasons, and we don't".

Los Angeles Times

The nation's highest bench did not state the reasons it would not be hearing Evans' case, as is customary.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state the reason" in formal writing, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the significance of the reason being stated. Be direct and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "state the reason" in contexts where the reason is already obvious or implied. Instead, provide a more specific explanation or justification to add value to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state the reason" functions as a directive, prompting someone to articulate the justification, motive, or cause behind an action, decision, or situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this expression is used to elicit explanations across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state the reason" is a directive phrase used to request an explanation or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, though its frequency is considered uncommon. While it appears in diverse domains, it is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, suggesting its versatility in both reporting facts and seeking scientific rationale. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and directness, and be mindful of the context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "explain the rationale" or "provide the justification" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of detail and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the rationale

Focuses on providing a detailed explanation of the underlying principles.

provide the justification

Emphasizes the act of offering a valid reason or excuse.

articulate the grounds

Implies a more formal and precise expression of the basis for something.

detail the explanation

Focuses on providing a comprehensive account of why something is as it is.

clarify the motive

Highlights making the underlying cause or inspiration clear.

elucidate the cause

Implies shedding light on or clarifying what brought about a particular result.

outline the basis

Focuses on giving a structured overview of the fundamental principles.

specify the purpose

Highlights making the intention or objective clearly defined.

disclose the why

Offers a simpler, more direct way to ask for the explanation.

divulge the reasoning

Implies revealing a thought process that led to a decision or conclusion.

FAQs

How do I use "state the reason" in a sentence?

You can use "state the reason" to request an explanation for an action or decision. For example, "Please "state the reason" for the delay in project completion".

What are some alternatives to "state the reason"?

Alternatives include "explain the rationale", "provide the justification", or "articulate the grounds", depending on the level of formality and detail required.

When is it appropriate to use "state the reason" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "state the reason" in situations where a clear and explicit explanation is needed, such as in formal reports, legal documents, or professional communications. Consider using alternative phrasing in informal settings.

How does "state the reason" differ from "explain the reason"?

"State the reason" implies a direct and concise explanation, whereas "explain the reason" suggests a more detailed and comprehensive account. The choice depends on the level of detail required in the context.