why reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "why reason" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where one is questioning the rationale behind a decision or action, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I often find myself asking, why reason when emotions drive our choices?"

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This interactionist interpretation explains why reason may have evolved and how it fits with other cognitive mechanisms.

Harvard University

Epistemology has been naturalized by Quine, philosophy of science by Ronald Giere; Putnam has spoken to deaf ears with his "Why reason cannot be naturalized".

Princeton University

There is no better way to learn why reason and tolerance should be valued over dogma and violence than through the study and practice of a science.

The New York Times

That is one why reason why campaigners for religious freedom are apprehensive about how much attention, if any, the new secretary of state John Kerry will pay to their cause.

The Economist

It explains precisely why reason must take the form of space, time, matter, life and self-conscious spirit.

SEP

Indeed, this notion of parts is robust enough to make one wonder why reason, spirit, and appetite are parts at all, as opposed to three independent subjects.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Fanatics would exclude my right to have an opinion". The tide of well-wishers engulfed us then, and I backed off, wondering--and despairing a little--why reason is so hard to come by in this country and why it is so far down the scale of qualities we seem to find attractive for people in public life.

Los Angeles Times

Why?One reason may be mere realism.

The Economist

Why the reason for all this confidence?

The Guardian - Sport

Why?" "No reason".

Vice

Why? Same reason we got Morse.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing "why reason" for improved clarity. Using phrases like "the reason why" or "what's the reason" often results in more natural and easily understood sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "why reason" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound unnatural. Instead, opt for more common and idiomatic expressions like "the reason why" or "what's the rationale".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why reason" functions as an interrogative, seeking an explanation or justification. It questions the underlying cause or rationale for something, similar to asking "what is the reason?" or "what is the logic?". Ludwig indicates this phrasing is not standard.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "why reason" is not a standard expression in English. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often more effective to use clearer and more common alternatives such as "the reason why" or "what's the rationale". The phrase appears across News & Media, Science and Academia but remember that "why reason" might sound awkward, especially in formal contexts. For clearer and more impactful writing, prioritize well-established phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason why

Reverses the order of the words, presenting a more common phrasing.

what's the reason

Replaces "why" with a more explicit question, focusing on the cause or explanation.

the rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical basis or justification for something.

the justification for

Highlights the reasons or facts that support a claim or action.

the logic of

Focuses on the reasoning or system of principles underlying something.

the cause of

Directly inquires about the cause or origin of something.

the grounds for

Emphasizes the basis or foundation upon which something is based.

the purpose of

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or objective.

what is the basis

Directly inquires about the fundamental principles or facts.

on what grounds

Questions the justification or reasons for a decision or action.

FAQs

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

While grammatically correct, "why reason" is not commonly used. A better alternative is to rephrase it as "the "reason why"" or "what's the reason" for clarity.

What can I say instead of "why reason"?

You can use alternatives like "the reason why", "what's the reason", or "the rationale behind" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "why reason"?

It is grammatically correct, but not a standard or common phrase. Using a more conventional phrasing will improve clarity. Consider rewording with something like "what is the reason?".

What's the difference between "why reason" and "the reason why"?

"Why reason" is a less common and somewhat awkward phrasing. "The reason why" is a more idiomatic and easily understood way to express the same idea.