substantial reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial reason" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means a significant or important reason that is strong and valid. Example: She couldn't give a substantial reason for why she was late to the meeting, so her boss was not pleased.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For this alone, there is substantial reason to give thanks.

The New York Times - Travel

Same great taste!" openly confesses the blatant goal of catching your eye for no substantial reason.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have furnished no substantial reason for refusing to apply the Li principle to multi-party litigation.

Harvard University

That is one substantial reason that we had a declining deficits and then even a few years of surplus….

The New York Times

The grounds for dismissal would be 'some other substantial reason' which includes the needs of the business".

The Guardian

Republican lawmakers have four bills pending in the House of Delegates to repeal the "good and substantial reason" requirement.

The Washington Post

Moreover, even if there was, there is substantial reason to doubt that such ads would influence an election's actual outcome.

The New York Times

"The second trial has not altered my perception, namely that there's substantial reason to believe he's guilty.

The New York Times

Where no explanation is established, however, the court should presume that the PTO had a substantial reason related to patentability for including the limiting element added by amendment.

Cornell University

However, a substantial reason for this is that the Journal, unlike most of its competitors during this time period, allowed people to subscribe to its online edition only.

The New Yorker

In 1960, John Kennedy vowed to increase defense spending in order to correct a Soviet "missile gap" that (as he had substantial reason to know) did not exist.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "substantial reason" to generic alternatives such as "reason" to emphasize the importance of your motive.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial reason" to describe minor or insignificant justifications. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a significant justification or motive for an action or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and accepted English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to provide a significant justification or motive. It's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, and as Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and widely accepted phrase in English. Its prevalence across various sources like news, academic papers, and scientific articles underscores its importance in conveying the legitimacy and weight of a particular rationale. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reason presented is truly significant and capable of withstanding scrutiny. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in trivial contexts, as this can dilute its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant cause

Emphasizes the importance of the cause.

compelling motive

Highlights the motivational aspect.

valid justification

Focuses on the legitimacy of the reason.

considerable grounds

Suggests a more formal and legalistic basis.

legitimate basis

Indicates an accepted or lawful foundation.

sound rationale

Highlights the logical and coherent aspect of the reason.

weighty factor

Emphasizes the importance and influence of the reason.

cogent explanation

Focuses on the clarity and convincing nature of the reason.

serious consideration

Emphasizes the need for careful thought and evaluation.

adequate grounds

Indicates that the reason is sufficient or acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial reason" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial reason" to introduce a significant justification or motive for an action or decision. For example, "The company had a "substantial reason" for changing its policy."

What are some alternatives to "substantial reason"?

Alternatives include "significant cause", "compelling motive", or "valid justification", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a good reason" or "a substantial reason"?

"A "substantial reason"" implies a more significant and compelling justification than "a good reason". Choose the phrase that best reflects the weight of the reason.

What's the difference between "substantial reason" and "valid excuse"?

"Substantial reason" typically refers to a legitimate and significant justification, while "valid excuse" often implies an attempt to avoid responsibility or explain a mistake. A ""substantial reason"" carries more weight and is less likely to be seen as an attempt to evade accountability.