Learn English – Difference between cause of/for and reason for/of

exam-questionsprepositions

The question is a multiple choice

I don't think you have any real cause _____ complaint.

Choices are ( of / for / with / on)

Clearly it's either of or for. In my model answer it should be "for"

"Revenge was the main _____ the fire.

Choices ( reason for / cause of / reason of )

It should be "reason for".

There must be a difference between cause and reason in their usages
and also prepositions ?

Best Answer

cause

usually describes how something happened.

reason

usually describes why something happened.

Revenge was the main reason for the fire. (why)
Spilled gasoline was the cause of the fire. (how)

"Cause" can use either "for" and "of" depending on circumstances.

cause for complaint
cause of the complaint

"Reason" uses "for" in order to explain something.

reason for complaining
reason to complain

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