Reason of / reason for

Question

Hi everybody!Which preposition would you use after 'reason'? 'of' or 'for'? Or are both possible and just have different meanings?Example: The reason for/of this speech ...Thanks for your help!Pete(obviously non-native speaker)

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Hi everybody! Which preposition would you use after 'reason'? 'of' or 'for'? Or are both possible and just have different meanings? Example: The reason for/of this speech ...[/nq]
"For" is the standard preposition in phrases of this sort. "Of" is unidiomatic.

Bob Liebich

Usenet · Answer

So you think that the original poster's example is the only usage we might consider. Ridiculous. The poster may come across the phrase "by reason of" and think it is an error.
GFH

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]Yes, always. Note: "phrases of this sort." Here'e what I ... contexts, other usages. Expand the inquiry and catch more fish.[/nq]
[nq:1]So you think that the original poster's example is the only usage we might consider. Ridiculous. The poster may come across the phrase "by reason of" and think it is an error.[/nq]
And there was nothing wrong with your elaboration on my original answer. What was wrong was your imputation to me of saying something I hadn't said, enhanced by the snipping of the language that made my intent clear. If you'd said something like "Lieblich is right as far as he goes" and then posted the identical information, you'd have heard nothing from me. And what is wrong with answering the question asked, which is just what I did?
A little precision goes a long way.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Hi everybody! Which preposition would you use after 'reason'? 'of' or 'for'? Or are both possible and just have different meanings? Example: The reason for/of this speech ... Thanks for your help! Pete (obviously non-native speaker)[/nq]
Glad you didn't ask about "the reason why", That one really grates!

David.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Which preposition would you use after 'reason'? 'of' or 'for'? Or are both possible and just have different meanings? Example: The reason for/of this speech ...[/nq]
Either usage is possible. Which is used is set by context.

of is a pointer.
for is a pointer.
"of" points to a set of things.
"for" points to a purpose, a goal, a reason.
Zero and one are members in the set of whole numbers.

of > set of things
zero and one of > set of whole numbers
For definition whole numbers are natural counting numbers.

for > purpose
for > definition
She is of a state of mind which entertains.
she of > state of mind
This example does not list a set of "mind states" but rather implies common knowledge of many states of mind, such as happiness, sadness, joy, anger and others.
For obvious reasons lawyers are of an annoying nature.

More complex construct there.
for > reasons
of > annoying nature
This again is usage of implication of common knowledge.

obvious reasons ( pompous, arrogant, deceitful, annoying, greedy, other reasons )

annoying nature ( grating, obnoxious, unethical, unfeeling, annoying, other natures )

You can surmise sometimes reasons and nature contain identical notions. Both sets contain "annoying" which fits well for both reasons and nature.

You will want to be careful to not be redundant.
For reason of being annoying, lawyers are of an annoying nature.

You would not write that but might imply redundancy if your "for" and "of" point to an identical word or identical notion which is common knowledge but not explicit in your wording.
Many times during our use of language, our words "for" and "of" can be of very similar meaning but context is very different or should be made to be different.

"of" points to a set of things.
"for" points to a purpose, a goal, a reason.
Purl Gurl

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]Which preposition would you use after 'reason'? 'of' or 'for'? ... have different meanings? Example: The reason for/of this speech ...[/nq]
[nq:1]Either usage is possible. Which is used is set by context. of is a pointer. for is a pointer. ... be different. "of" points to a set of things. "for" points to a purpose, a goal, a reason. Purl Gurl[/nq]
PG traipses all around Robin Hood's barn to be annoying, for no reason whatever.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]PG traipses all around Robin Hood's barn to be annoying, for no reason whatever.[/nq]
I am Robin Hood and you, the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Purl Gurl

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]>>(for obvious reasons) Purl Gurl[/nq]
[nq:1]PG traipses all around Robin Hood's barn to be annoying, for no reason whatever.[/nq]
"Stomp-down-hope-to-die outta her ***' MIND!!", as my Uncle Ralph would have expressed it.

Alan
==
killfile?

Reason of / reason for

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