valid reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valid reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing justifications or explanations for a particular action or decision. Example: "There must be a valid reason for the delay in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is that a valid reason for companies to avoid dividends?

The New York Times

Start your message by providing a valid reason for contacting them.

The Guardian

Flynn argues that concern about possible distress is not a valid reason for changing the curriculum.

The Guardian

There is no valid reason for our anachronistic policy toward Cuba.

The New York Times

If anyone can think of a valid reason for this snub, I'd love to hear it.

The Economist

Respect for tradition is not a valid reason for refusal to change.

The Economist

The Health Ministry said dementia itself can never be a valid reason for ending a person's life.

The New York Times

Johan Koss, a former speed-skating gold medallist, said there was no valid reason for any athlete to take supplements.

The Guardian - Sport

It is not considered a valid reason for any struggle, it is seen as merely an excuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are issues of using food as a crutch and patients often have a valid reason for their unhappiness.

The Guardian

Our supervisor told me that she will soon be firing him and explained her seemingly valid reason for doing so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "valid reason for", ensure that the reason you are presenting is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there is a "valid reason for" something without clearly articulating what that reason is. Always follow up with a detailed explanation to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valid reason for" functions as a justification or explanation for a particular action, decision, or situation. Ludwig showcases that it is most often used to introduce a legitimate or acceptable cause. This means it connects a stated fact to a rationale, providing context and legitimacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valid reason for" is a commonly used phrase for providing justification or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts like news, science, and general writing. While predominantly neutral to formal, it indicates a legitimate cause or explanation, supported by evidence or reasoning. When writing, be sure to specify the reason clearly and support it with specifics to maximize clarity and impact. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "legitimate basis for", "justifiable cause for", or "sound justification for" to convey similar meanings with different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legitimate basis for

Replaces "reason" with "basis", implying a foundation or justification that is lawful or acceptable.

justifiable cause for

Substitutes "reason" with "cause", suggesting a more formal and serious justification.

sound justification for

Replaces "valid reason" with "sound justification", emphasizing the rationality and strength of the explanation.

acceptable rationale for

Uses "rationale" instead of "reason", indicating a set of logical grounds or explanation for a belief or action.

sufficient grounds for

Emphasizes that the reason meets the required threshold or standard.

proper excuse for

Replaces "reason" with "excuse", suggesting a justification that may not be fully satisfactory but is acceptable.

good explanation for

Offers a more general and less formal alternative using "explanation".

cogent argument for

Replaces "reason" with "argument", emphasizing that the reason is persuasive and well-presented.

defensible motive for

Substitutes "reason" with "motive", indicating the underlying cause or drive behind an action that can be defended.

supportable pretext for

Replaces "reason" with "pretext", suggesting a reason that is presented to conceal the true motive, but is still supportable.

FAQs

How can I use "valid reason for" in a sentence?

You can use "valid reason for" to introduce an explanation or justification for an action or decision. For example, "There is a "valid reason for" the delay in the project."

What are some alternatives to "valid reason for"?

Some alternatives to "valid reason for" include "legitimate basis for", "justifiable cause for", and "sound justification for". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "valid reason"?

While "reason" often implies validity, using "valid reason" can emphasize the legitimacy and strength of the justification, particularly when there might be doubt or dispute.

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

"Valid reason for" typically suggests a more formal and justifiable explanation, while "valid excuse for" implies a reason that may mitigate blame or responsibility but isn't necessarily fully justifiable.