substantive reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantive reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or meaningful justification for a decision or action. Example: "The committee provided a substantive reason for their decision to reject the proposal, citing budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

That's the substantive reason.

The New York Times

It may be that the Russians will offer a substantive reason for having such a meeting.

The New York Times

"There was zero substantive reason why this couldn't have been eighty votes," he said.

The New Yorker

Booker ruled that he had not heard "any substantive reason" in the protester's message.

The Guardian

Experience suggests that "halo" is a euphemism for "investors turning bullish en masse for no substantive reason".

The New York Times

But there's never been any good substantive reason for Republicans to oppose electing our Presidents the same way we elect our governors, our mayors, and our legislators.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This was not a matter of rejecting one choice for substantive reasons and asking for another.

The New York Times

That said, there are plenty of substantive reasons for singling out cotton.

The New York Times

As his first stop, South Africa is important for substantive reasons and symbolically significant.

The New York Times

Olympia Snowe expressed substantive reasons for changing her vote on health care between the Finance Committee bill and the final Senate version.

The New Yorker

There are substantive reasons for this discomfort, not least concerns that Mr. Paulson will pay too much, thus subsidizing giant financial institutions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive reason" when you want to emphasize that the reason provided is not trivial but significant and well-considered. For example: "The proposal was rejected due to a substantive reason related to budget constraints."

Common error

While "substantive reason" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "good reason" or "real reason" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun or verb, providing a justification or explanation for an action or decision. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to emphasize a significant or meaningful basis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, denoting a significant and well-considered justification. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While commonly used in news and media, science, and formal business settings, its formality suggests that simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal conversations. Remember to use "substantive reason" when a significant and well-supported justification is required, while avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "significant justification" or "compelling rationale" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant justification

Emphasizes the importance of the reason.

compelling rationale

Highlights the convincing nature of the reason.

valid explanation

Focuses on the reason being well-founded and legitimate.

material consideration

Stresses the relevance and importance of the reason.

genuine justification

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the reason.

legitimate basis

Focuses on the lawful or acceptable foundation of the reason.

sound argument

Emphasizes the logical and well-structured nature of the reason.

cogent explanation

Focuses on the clarity and persuasiveness of the reason.

weighty ground

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the reason.

meaningful cause

Highlights the importance of the reason as a causative factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantive reason" to indicate a significant justification for a decision or action. For example: "The committee provided a "substantive reason" for their decision."

What are some alternatives to "substantive reason"?

Alternatives include "significant justification", "compelling rationale", or "valid explanation", depending on the specific context.

Is "substantive reason" formal or informal?

"Substantive reason" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "good reason" or "real reason" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "substantive reason" and "good reason"?

"Substantive reason" implies a more significant and well-thought-out justification, while "good reason" is a more general and less formal expression. Using "substantive reason" suggests the justification has considerable weight and validity.