valid reason — good excuse
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A fair or acceptable explanation for something, especially for not doing something or for a mistake.
Say it like a native
Textbook He provided a legitimate justification for his absence.
Native He had a valid reason for being away.
Natural; 'legitimate justification' is formal/legal.
Pattern: valid reason (for something/for doing something)
In use
- She had a valid reason for missing the meeting—her son was sick.daily life
- In my opinion, students should only be allowed to submit assignments late if they have a valid reason, such as illness or a family emergency.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She had a valid reason of leaving.
✓ She had a valid reason for leaving.
A reason FOR something, not 'of'.
Common collocations
a valid reason for— for, perfectly, without a, give
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'weak excuse,' which means a reason that is not convincing.