Central reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Central reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or primary cause or explanation for something. Example: "The central reason for the project's failure was a lack of adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the central reason is personal.

The Guardian - Travel

First, and the central reason for it being put on the ballot, Prop.

University of California, Berkeley

The central reason for reform, however, has come from pressure closer to home.

The Guardian - Sport

The central reason for this desirability gap is found in the cost calculations of American drivers.

The Guardian - Opinion

King had cited the investigation as a central reason for backing out of the deal.

The New York Times

"A central reason for that can be summed up in one word: Iraq".

The New Yorker

That, in the end, is the central reason why I have been musing of late.

The New York Times

To show black life, period, was the central reason black papers were founded.

The New York Times

Yet the central reason for all the deals is falling prices.

The Economist

That process, they say, has been a central reason for the extraordinary sluggishness of the recovery.

The New York Times

The central reason for the importance of tonight's debate is of course Mr. Perry's predicament.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasis, use "the central reason" to clearly single out the main point. This works well in summaries or conclusions.

Common error

Avoid presenting a minor contributing factor as the "central reason". Ensure the reason you identify is the primary and most influential factor. If not, consider using phrases like "a contributing factor" or "one reason among others".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object complement, identifying the primary cause or justification for something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to specify the core explanation or motive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the primary cause or explanation for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It is versatile enough for use in news, academic, and business contexts. While alternatives like "main reason" or "primary reason" exist, "central reason" is effective for highlighting the core justification or motive. However, ensure that the identified reason is genuinely the most important factor to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main reason

Replaces "central" with "main", offering a more direct synonym.

Primary reason

Substitutes "central" with "primary", emphasizing the foremost cause.

Key reason

Replaces "central" with "key", highlighting the importance of the reason.

Chief reason

Replaces "central" with "chief", indicating the most important reason.

Principal cause

Uses "cause" instead of "reason", indicating a direct source or origin.

Fundamental reason

Highlights the foundational or basic nature of the reason.

Underlying reason

Emphasizes that the reason is fundamental and foundational.

Core reason

Indicates the reason is at the very heart of the matter.

The main factor

Shifts the focus to a factor rather than a reason, implying a contributing element.

The biggest driver

Uses a more dynamic term "driver" to suggest the main impetus or force.

FAQs

How can I use "Central reason" in a sentence?

You can use "Central reason" to highlight the main cause or explanation for something. For example, "The "central reason" for the project's delay was a lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "Central reason"?

Alternatives include "main reason", "primary reason", or "key reason", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Central reason" or "Main reason"?

Both "Central reason" and "main reason" are correct. "Central" might imply a more fundamental or core aspect compared to "main", but they are often interchangeable.

What is the difference between "Central reason" and "Underlying reason"?

"Central reason" refers to the primary cause, while "underlying reason" suggests a more fundamental, often less obvious, cause. The underlying reason is often a deeper, more foundational factor.