reason
A reason is a cause or explanation for why something happens or why someone does something. It is the information that answers the question 'Why?'.
Examples
3 of 5The reason I am late is because of the heavy traffic.
The explanation for my lateness is the traffic delay.
The reason for the policy change was explained in the meeting.
The explanation for the new rules was given in the meeting.
I don't need a reason to buy you a gift.
I do not need a specific cause to buy you a present.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'REAL'—a Reason explains the Real cause of something.
Quick Quiz
Give me one good ____ why I should help you.
Correct!
The correct answer is: reason
Examples
The reason I am late is because of the heavy traffic.
everydayThe explanation for my lateness is the traffic delay.
The reason for the policy change was explained in the meeting.
formalThe explanation for the new rules was given in the meeting.
I don't need a reason to buy you a gift.
informalI do not need a specific cause to buy you a present.
Scientists are trying to find the primary reason for the data shift.
academicResearchers are investigating the main cause of the change in data.
Please provide a valid reason for your absence from work.
businessPlease give a professional explanation for why you were not at work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
for no reason
without any cause or explanation
within reason
within sensible or logical limits
reason with someone
to try to persuade someone using logic
Often Confused With
A 'cause' is the direct source of an action; a 'reason' is often the motivation or explanation behind it.
An 'excuse' is a reason given specifically to lessen blame or avoid a duty.
Usage Notes
The word 'reason' is frequently followed by the prepositions 'for' (reason for something) or 'why' (reason why something happened).
Common Mistakes
Avoid saying 'the reason is because'; it is more grammatically correct to say 'the reason is that'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'REAL'—a Reason explains the Real cause of something.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'raison', coming from the Latin 'ratio', which refers to a calculation or motive.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Give me one good ____ why I should help you.
Correct!
The correct answer is: reason
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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