"reason for" vs "reason of"

Question

"reason for" vs "reason of"

Both 'reason for' and 'reason of' are commonly used in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Reason for' is used to explain the cause or justification of something, while 'reason of' is less common and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'reason for' when you want to explain the cause or justification of something. It is a common and natural way to express the reason behind an action or event.

Examples:

What is the reason for your absence?
The reason for the delay was unexpected traffic.
She explained the reason for her decision.

Alternatives:

cause of
explanation for
motive for
justification for
rationale for

Use 'reason of' in formal or literary contexts when you want to express the cause or explanation of something. It is less common in everyday language.

Examples:

The reason of his departure remains a mystery.
The book delves into the reason of human behavior.

Alternatives:

cause of
explanation of
motive of
justification of
rationale of

Answer 1

reason for

This is a correct and commonly used construction in English.

Answer 2

reason of

This is less common and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.

"reason for" vs "reason of"

reason for

reason of

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