no one knew the reason for that vs no one knew the reason for it

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'No one knew the reason for that' is more commonly used when referring to a specific situation or event, while 'No one knew the reason for it' is more general and can refer to a previously mentioned or understood subject.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 770 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"no one knew the reason for that"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific situation or event that has been previously mentioned or is understood in the context.

Examples:

No one knew the reason for that sudden change in behavior.
No one knew the reason for that decision.

Show examples from the web [+]

I believed the child and Olivia would be safer if no one knew the truth.
No one knew the name Foukara, but his photo was recognized.
The simple answer is for precisely the reason that REACH was developed: because we simply did not know - because no one knew precisely - how many substances we had available.
Which would mean we're back to no one knew the guy's address.
We are not talking here of a practice of which no-one knew the dangers before.
Maybe no one knew the voice over the PA was me.
Deform me to your likeness, so that no one after you will ever again understand the reason for so much desire.
And no one will ever know the reason for the transfer.
The reason for having two missile keys is so that no one man may...
Maybe no one knew the voice over the PA was me.
No one knew the route but the people on the inside.
We should at least however seek to ensure that no one is allowed to fall below a certain minimum and that the reasons for any differentials are clear.
Quite rightly so, but these crises alone should not be the reason for us to adopt new food legislation, because they are history now and virtually no one is writing about them any more.
There were a couple large, sweaty men with chainsaws standing in the center of the church, but nobody knew where to send them because no one knew the extent of the damage yet.
Although no one knew the origin of said tradition... my guess is that it was Mary Clear herself
A double murderer no-one knew existed.
If people knew the reasons for my fear, they would be able to understand my pain.
What's the reason for having a locked cabinet of writing no one can ever read?
The reason for that is, and I quote from what the Czech Council Presidency said: 'No one should criticise the decision of those countries that fail to fulfil the Barcelona objectives and do not intend to increase efforts for their fulfilment.
The procedure in question, in one of the neediest parts of Portugal, dragged on for five years, and no one understands the reasons for the rejection.

Alternatives:

No one knew the reason for that action.
No one knew the reason for that outcome.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"no one knew the reason for it"

This phrase is more general and can refer to a previously mentioned or understood subject without specifying it again.

Examples:

No one knew the reason for it, but they accepted the outcome.
No one knew the reason for it, so they decided to investigate further.

Show examples from the web [+]

I believed the child and Olivia would be safer if no one knew the truth.
No one knew the name Foukara, but his photo was recognized.
The simple answer is for precisely the reason that REACH was developed: because we simply did not know - because no one knew precisely - how many substances we had available.
Which would mean we're back to no one knew the guy's address.
We are not talking here of a practice of which no-one knew the dangers before.
Maybe no one knew the voice over the PA was me.
Deform me to your likeness, so that no one after you will ever again understand the reason for so much desire.
And no one will ever know the reason for the transfer.
The reason for having two missile keys is so that no one man may...
Maybe no one knew the voice over the PA was me.
No one knew the route but the people on the inside.
We should at least however seek to ensure that no one is allowed to fall below a certain minimum and that the reasons for any differentials are clear.
Quite rightly so, but these crises alone should not be the reason for us to adopt new food legislation, because they are history now and virtually no one is writing about them any more.
There were a couple large, sweaty men with chainsaws standing in the center of the church, but nobody knew where to send them because no one knew the extent of the damage yet.
Although no one knew the origin of said tradition... my guess is that it was Mary Clear herself
A double murderer no-one knew existed.
If people knew the reasons for my fear, they would be able to understand my pain.
What's the reason for having a locked cabinet of writing no one can ever read?
The reason for that is, and I quote from what the Czech Council Presidency said: 'No one should criticise the decision of those countries that fail to fulfil the Barcelona objectives and do not intend to increase efforts for their fulfilment.
The procedure in question, in one of the neediest parts of Portugal, dragged on for five years, and no one understands the reasons for the rejection.

Alternatives:

No one knew the reason for that.
No one knew the reason for the situation.

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no one knew the reason for that vs no one knew the reason for it