the reason given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the reason given" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally refers to the explanation or justification offered for a specific course of action or statement. For example: "The reason given for John's termination was his poor performance reviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason given was lack of data.

The Economist

The reason given was their expertise.

The New York Times

The reason given was public safety.

The New York Times

The reason given, as in Mr. Mulder's case, was downsizing.

The New York Times

Change of face is the reason given to me.

The New York Times - Sports

The reason given is lack of parliamentary time.

The Guardian

COL.AMEN: What was the reason given for attempting to kill Weygand?

Yale University

The distinction between the two is important for the reason given above in Section 5.3.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That was, after all, the reason given for the brutal and meticulously planned execution of Abbott.

The Guardian

The reason given by several critics for their abuse of Albee's most derided script.

The Guardian

In five cases, the reason given for the delay was a lack of available hospital beds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the reason given", ensure that the source or provider of the reason is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The reason given by the doctor was...".

Common error

Be aware that "the reason given" might not always be the complete or honest explanation. It's essential to critically evaluate whether the stated reason aligns with other available evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the reason given" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to an explanation or justification that has been provided. It is typically used to present a stated or official cause for an action, decision, or event. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the reason given" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a stated explanation or justification. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and sees it as highly usable. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. However, writers should be mindful that "the reason given" may not always represent the complete or true explanation and needs to be critically evaluated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the justification provided

Emphasizes the act of defending or vindicating an action or decision.

the explanation offered

Focuses on clarifying or elucidating the cause or motive.

the rationale presented

Highlights the logical basis or principle underlying the action.

the cause stated

Directly indicates the factor that brings about a result.

the grounds cited

Refers to the basis or foundation upon which something is based.

the motive expressed

Highlights the driving force behind an action or decision.

the basis mentioned

Indicates the fundamental principle or foundation.

the excuse presented

Implies a justification to mitigate responsibility or blame.

the account rendered

Presents a detailed narrative or report of the reason.

the story told

Suggests a narrative explanation, which may or may not be entirely factual.

FAQs

How can I use "the reason given" in a sentence?

You can use "the reason given" to introduce an explanation or justification. For example, "The reason given was a lack of funding" or "That was the reason given for the delay".

What are some alternatives to "the reason given"?

Alternatives include "the justification provided", "the explanation offered", or ""the rationale presented", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who gave the reason when using "the reason given"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the source of the reason (e.g., "the reason given by the manager") often enhances clarity and credibility.

Can "the reason given" be used sarcastically or ironically?

Yes, "the reason given" can be used sarcastically to imply disbelief or doubt about the stated reason. The tone of voice or surrounding context usually signals this intention.