understandable reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'understandable reason' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are explaining a logical or reasonable motive for something. For example: "I was late to the meeting, but I had an understandable reason—my car broke down on the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Usually, there's an understandable reason for the design.

The New York Times

The understandable reason is that when activity doesn't expand unemployment goes up and poverty increases.

The Guardian - Business

Eventually I realised that there was an understandable reason for the dissonance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She may very well have had an unavoidable and understandable reason," Councilman Lewis A. Fidler said.

The New York Times

So there was always an understandable reason, but sometimes it seemed to be a rather unreasonable reason.

The Guardian

Gold bugs are buying bullion for the understandable reason that central banks appear committed to printing more money: they fear that eventually this will lead to inflation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And for understandable reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those are entirely understandable reasons.

The Guardian - Film

There are understandable reasons for that.

The Guardian

There are understandable reasons for Mr. Abbas's reluctance.

The New York Times

For understandable reasons, both developments horrify Israel and worry America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understandable reason" to foster empathy or acknowledge someone's perspective, especially when explaining potentially negative outcomes or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "understandable reason" as a catch-all phrase to excuse poor planning or oversight. Provide specific details and demonstrate accountability instead. Overuse can weaken your argument and make it seem like you're avoiding responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understandable reason" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "understandable" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "reason". Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understandable reason" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to provide logical justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register is neutral, ensuring versatility across diverse contexts. To enhance writing, ensure the stated reason is genuinely clear and avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "intelligible reason" or "justifiable reason" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligible reason

Replaces "understandable" with "intelligible", suggesting the reason is easily grasped.

conceivable reason

Uses "conceivable" instead of "understandable", indicating the reason is within the realm of possibility.

defensible reason

Substitutes "understandable" with "defensible", implying the reason can be justified or supported.

justifiable reason

Replaces "understandable" with "justifiable", highlighting the reason's fairness or righteousness.

reasonable explanation

Replaces "reason" with "explanation", offering a slightly more detailed account.

logical explanation

Instead of "understandable reason" emphasizes that the explanation follows a coherent train of thought.

valid justification

Expresses a reason that has substance and demonstrates a good cause.

plausible explanation

Highlights a sensible and credible account that is easy to believe.

legitimate cause

Expresses a reason that is aligned with fairness, the law, or normal expectations.

excusable motive

Expresses the underlying rationale is capable of being forgiven or tolerated.

FAQs

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

You can use "understandable reason" to explain why someone acted a certain way or why something happened. For example, "She was late due to an understandable reason: a traffic accident."

What are some alternatives to "understandable reason"?

Alternatives include "intelligible reason", "conceivable reason", or "justifiable reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide an "understandable reason"?

While providing a reason can often help others understand a situation, it's not always necessary or appropriate. Sometimes, an apology or acknowledgment of responsibility is sufficient, especially if the reason is personal or complex.

How does "understandable reason" differ from "excuse"?

"Understandable reason" typically implies a legitimate or justifiable cause, while "excuse" can suggest an attempt to avoid blame, even if the cause is weak or unconvincing. An "understandable reason" aims to provide clarity and context, whereas an excuse may be seen as disingenuous.