which reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific reason among multiple options or when seeking clarification about a reason. Example: "I understand your point, but could you clarify which reason you believe is the most important?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

For which reason I liked it too.

Independent

The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.

The New Yorker

For which reason, I'm not prepared to write the count off after just one episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For which reason, his next move to be chair of Arts Council England, bodes well.

The Guardian - Arts

It is not clear which reason, if either, applies to Plarent Nasto's case.

The New York Times

In any case, the LSE building is this year's most resonant piece of architecture, for which reason it should win.

The Guardian - Arts

"I know for which reason I come and I know which kind of job I was asked to do.

The Guardian - Sport

Home is where the heart is, and the heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.

The New York Times - Arts

For which reason, Sharkey said that the form was "totally immoral, really inappropriate and just a very ugly idea".

The Guardian - Opinion

In an uncertain, complex world, there is only so much which reason should be allowed to decide.

The Guardian

According to Locke, it shares a room with probable truths, which are propositions of which reason cannot be certain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which reason", ensure it clearly refers to a specific, previously mentioned reason, especially when multiple reasons are presented. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

Avoid using "which reason" in simple questions where "why" or "what reason" would be more direct and natural. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which reason" functions as an interrogative phrase used to elicit a specific cause, motive, or explanation from a set of possibilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely used. The multiple examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which reason" serves as an interrogative tool used to elicit a specific cause or explanation, often from a set of possibilities. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it leans towards a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, it's best used when referring to a specific reason already in context, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts where "why" might suffice. Alternatives like "what reason" or "on what grounds" can offer suitable substitutes depending on the desired level of formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what reason

This is a more direct and commonly used alternative for asking about the cause or justification.

for what cause

This alternative emphasizes the cause behind an action or event, sounding slightly more formal.

on what grounds

This implies a basis or justification, often used in legal or formal contexts.

by what logic

This alternative questions the logical reasoning behind a decision or action.

upon what basis

Similar to 'on what grounds', it highlights the foundation or rationale for something.

what's the rationale

This is a more conversational way of asking for the underlying reasoning.

what justification

This alternative seeks the reason or excuse that defends or justifies an action.

what explanation

This looks for a detailed account that clarifies the reasons behind something.

what's the motivation

This alternative focuses specifically on the driving force or incentive behind an action.

why

This is the simplest and most direct way to inquire about the reason for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "which reason" to inquire about or specify a particular reason from a set of possible reasons. For example: "There are several possible causes for the failure; "which reason" do you believe is most likely?"

What's the difference between "what reason" and "which reason"?

"What reason" is generally used when asking for a reason without any specific context or prior mention of possible reasons. "Which reason" implies that there are multiple reasons to choose from or that a specific reason is being sought from a previously mentioned set.

Is it more formal to use "which reason" or "why"?

The phrase ""which reason"" tends to be more formal than the simple question "why". Use "why" in casual contexts and "which reason" in more formal or analytical writing.

What are some alternatives to using "which reason" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "what reason", "on what grounds", or "what justification" to achieve a similar meaning.