Grammar fix
valid reason
good excuse
A fair or acceptable explanation for something, especially for not doing something or for a mistake.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She had a valid reason for missing the meeting—her son was sick.
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.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She had a valid reason of leaving.
Say: She had a valid reason for leaving.
A reason FOR something, not 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
Natural; 'legitimate justification' is formal/legal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
a valid reason for
- for
- perfectly
- without a
- give