This lesson explains how certain nouns combine with specific prepositions to show reasons, causes and explanations. In English, many abstract nouns require a particular preposition to link them to the event or thing they describe.
Common pattern: noun + preposition + noun phrase (e.g., reason for the delay).
Choose the correct preposition (for / of / about) depending on the noun.
Useful in formal and business writing to explain causes and justifications.
Table
Common Nouns + Prepositions
Noun
Preposition
Example
reason
for
The reason for the delay is unclear.
cause
of
The cause of the outage was a faulty server.
explanation
for
We need an explanation for the error in the report.
justification
for
She provided a justification for the additional expenses.
result
of
The result of the audit showed several improvements.
effect
of
The effect of the policy was immediate.
basis
for
The basis for the decision is the new data.
Tip
Key rule: match the noun to the correct preposition
Different nouns take different prepositions. Learn the common pairs and watch the meaning.
'reason' typically uses 'for' when followed by a noun phrase (reason for the delay).
'cause' usually takes 'of' when naming what was caused (cause of the outage).
'explanation' and 'justification' commonly take 'for' (explanation for the error).
Remember: choose the preposition that naturally links the noun to what it describes.
Example
Examples in context
The reason for the cancellation was a scheduling conflict.
Management requested an explanation for the sudden drop in sales.
The cause of the system failure has been identified.
We prepared a justification for the increased budget request.
Tip
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch for these universal errors when using noun + preposition combinations.
Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'reason of' instead of 'reason for').
Confusing noun + preposition with verb patterns (e.g., 'decide because' vs 'decision because').
Omitting necessary articles: 'the reason for the delay' (not 'reason for delay' in formal contexts).
Using redundant constructions: 'the reason why ... because ...' is repetitive.
When uncertain, check common collocations (noun + preposition combinations) in a reliable dictionary.
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: Focus on which preposition commonly follows 'reason'.
Correct!
Use 'reason for' to link the noun 'reason' to the event or situation that follows.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: B) The reason for the delay is unclear.
Use 'reason for' to link the noun 'reason' to the event or situation that follows.
Quiz
Complete: The cause _____ the outage was a faulty cable.
Hint: Think about which preposition links 'cause' to the event.
Correct!
'Cause' commonly takes 'of' when naming what was caused (the cause of the outage).
Incorrect
The correct answer was: of
'Cause' commonly takes 'of' when naming what was caused (the cause of the outage).
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: Which preposition commonly follows 'justification'?
Correct!
'Justification' typically takes 'for' when explaining reasons related to an action or decision.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: B) We need a justification for the expense.
'Justification' typically takes 'for' when explaining reasons related to an action or decision.
Key Points
Vocabulary
reason
nounCEFR A2//ˈriːzən//
a cause or explanation for something
The reason for the delay is a supplier issue.
Vocabulary
cause
nounCEFR B1//kɔːz//
something that makes an event happen; the source of a result
Investigators found the cause of the failure.
Vocabulary
explanation
nounCEFR B1//ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən//
a statement that makes something clear or understandable
Please provide an explanation for the discrepancy.
Vocabulary
justification
nounCEFR B2//ˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən//
a valid reason or evidence that supports an action or decision
The team prepared a justification for the extra spending.
Vocabulary
effect
nounCEFR B2//ɪˈfɛkt//
a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause
The effect of the new policy was immediate.
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