state the reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state the reason why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to explain the cause of something. For example: "Please state the reason why you weren't able to finish the assignment on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Presuming that the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of his mediastinal tumor were not critical in the preoperative state, the reason why he developed SVC syndrome was unclear.

JA Clinical Reports

When swiping no, you must state the reason why you are.

Huffington Post

When the offers arrive, take all of the awards that are higher than the school that you really want to attend and send a nice letter describing the keen interest that the student has in attending and state the reason why it would be helpful to receive more Aid to make it possible.

Huffington Post

You will probably be asked to give your account number and state the reason why you want to cancel your payment.

WikiHow

Clearly identify each entry on your report that you want removed, and state the reason why the information is eligible for removal.

WikiHow

After you say no and state the reason why, employ counter influence,i.e suggest a healthy alternative idea like "Instead of smoking pot, why don't we go to the movies?".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They generally have 30 days to contact their provider and arrange to terminate their contract, stating the reason why.

Independent

To this aim, all the 13 items in the Section (a) of the questionnaire were turned into trinary choice statements asking them to state whose responsibility a certain task is (i.e. their, their teacher's, or both) and these statements ended with "because…" so that the participants could state the reasons why they believed so.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

State the reasons why you feel this way.

Huffington Post

- I wish to state the reasons why I felt obliged to abstain on the final vote, even though, in common with other Members, I am totally in favour of the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights, and with ensuring that future social developments can be taken account of.

EU Parlament

You must state the reasons why you do not agree with the denial of benefits.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state the reason why" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the explanation is comprehensive to avoid ambiguity. This phrase works best when a direct and clear explanation is required.

Common error

Avoid using "state the reason why" in contexts where the reason is already implied. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, opt for more concise wording if the reason is evident from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state the reason why" primarily functions as a request or instruction to provide an explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it prompts for a cause or rationale. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual requests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state the reason why" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request an explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI states, it directly prompts for a cause or rationale. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts like news, wikis, and scientific publications. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "explain the rationale" or "justify the decision" may be preferred. However, it's essential to avoid redundancy by not using the phrase when the reason is already evident. The phrase serves primarily to elicit a clear explanation, making it a valuable tool in communication where clarity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the rationale

Focuses on the underlying principles or logic behind a decision or action.

justify the decision

Emphasizes providing a valid and defensible reason for a choice.

clarify the grounds

Highlights making the basis or foundation of something clear.

elucidate the cause

Focuses on bringing the origin or source of something to light.

specify the basis

Highlights providing a detailed explanation of the foundation or support for something.

detail the explanation

Focuses on providing a comprehensive and thorough account.

outline the justification

Emphasizes presenting a structured and organized defense or rationale.

present the argument

Highlights offering a reasoned and persuasive case for a particular viewpoint.

give the account

Focuses on providing a narrative or description of the reasons.

divulge the motive

Emphasizes revealing the underlying intention or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "state the reason why" in a sentence?

You can use "state the reason why" to request a clear explanation. For example: "Please "state the reason why" you were absent from the meeting." or "The report should "state the reason why" the project was delayed."

What is a more formal alternative to "state the reason why"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases such as "explain the rationale", "elucidate the cause", or "justify the decision". These alternatives provide a more sophisticated tone while conveying the same request for explanation.

Is it grammatically correct to use "state the reason why"?

Yes, "state the reason why" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and that the context requires a direct explanation. It's often used to prompt someone to provide a justification or cause.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "state the reason why"?

A common mistake is redundancy. Avoid using it when the reason is already obvious from the context. Also, ensure that the tone matches the formality of the writing. More formal alternatives might be better suited for academic or professional settings.