sufficient reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficient reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a justifiable reason or explanation for something. For example, you might say, "I have a sufficient reason for not being able to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The west already has sufficient reason to care.

The Guardian - Opinion

IS low price sufficient reason to buy a particular tire?

The New York Times

For now that's sufficient reason for it to outperform".

The Guardian - Business

(Because high unemployment apparently isn't a sufficient reason).

The New York Times

I can't imagine being a sufficient reason for the disruption.

The New York Times - Books

Logical inconsistency is not a sufficient reason to change the law.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that is not a sufficient reason to spend £205bn on weapons of mass destruction.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is an accomplishment but not sufficient reason to spend four hours on this depressing exercise.

The New York Times - Arts

Not everybody thought that was a sufficient reason to begin giving teenagers tastes of wine.

The New York Times

The epidemic alone should be sufficient reason to not even contemplate deportation for the Thulambos.

The Guardian - Opinion

These alone surely give us sufficient reason to fight on, however faint our chances appear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficient reason", ensure the reason provided clearly and logically supports the claim or action it justifies. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient reason" when the justification is weak or debatable. Instead, opt for more cautious language like "possible reason" or "potential factor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient reason" functions as a noun phrase that provides justification or explanation for an action, belief, or event. Ludwig's examples show how it is used to argue for or against certain decisions based on the adequacy of the reasons provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficient reason" is a commonly used expression to indicate that there is an adequate or justifiable basis for something. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its presence in various contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reason you are providing is logically sound and genuinely supports the claim or action it is meant to justify. Alternatives like "adequate justification" or "valid rationale" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning, as reinforced by Ludwig's examples, make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate justification

Emphasizes the adequacy of the reason provided as a defense or explanation.

valid rationale

Focuses on the logical soundness and defensibility of the reasoning.

good cause

Highlights the moral or ethical basis for an action or decision.

legitimate grounds

Stresses the lawfulness and acceptability of the basis for something.

ample justification

Indicates that there is more than enough reason to support a claim or action.

reasonable basis

Suggests that the reason is logical and acceptable under normal circumstances.

warranted motive

Implies that the reason is justifiable given the circumstances.

convincing explanation

Focuses on the persuasiveness of the reason provided.

satisfactory account

Highlights that the reason is acceptable and meets the required standards.

substantial grounds

Indicates that the reason is significant and carries considerable weight.

FAQs

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

You can use "sufficient reason" to indicate that there is an adequate justification for something. For example, "The epidemic alone should be "sufficient reason" to not even contemplate deportation for the Thulambos."

What are some alternatives to saying "sufficient reason"?

Alternatives include "adequate justification", "valid rationale", or "good cause" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "sufficient reason" or "enough reason"?

"Sufficient reason" and "enough reason" are often interchangeable, but "sufficient reason" can sound more formal and precise. The best choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

What is the difference between "sufficient reason" and "the principle of sufficient reason"?

"Sufficient reason" is a general term for an adequate justification. "The principle of sufficient reason" is a philosophical principle, notably associated with Leibniz, stating that everything must have a reason or cause.