a greater reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a more significant or compelling justification for an action or decision. Example: "While there are many reasons to consider, there is a greater reason that outweighs them all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Perhaps there's a greater reason why they were so drawn to Zardoz beyond its psychedelic trippiness.

The Guardian - Music

But a greater reason is piracy; the federation estimates that 55 percent of Internet users in India go to unlicensed music services on a monthly basis.

The New York Times

Such inquiries require agents to first have a greater reason to start scrutinizing someone: either an "information or allegation" or an "articulable factual basis" indicating possible wrongdoing.

The New York Times

But employers say companies might have a greater reason now to initiate such a pricing strategy given government and other surveys showing that the recession has left young adults unemployed at almost double the rate of older workers.

The New York Times

While tensions are running high between Fatah and Hamas, Israel may have hoped to further strengthen its stranglehold over the al-Aqsa Sanctuary, but in reality, is likely to have given the Palestinians a greater reason to unite once again in their struggle against the occupation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It happened for a greater reason.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

A great reason to celebrate".

The New York Times

Politics is a great reason why Lebanese football was bad.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a great reason to support wage subsidies.

The Economist

"Having Judi Dench, a great Shakespearean actress, is a great reason to do anything," he said.

Independent

If you're in Congress, this is a great reason to vote for something.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a greater reason", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the lesser reasons are, to effectively highlight the significance of the 'greater' one.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater reason" when the justification isn't significantly more compelling than other potential factors; overstating its importance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It highlights a more significant or compelling justification or purpose behind an action or decision, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a greater reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a more significant or compelling justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "a great reason" signifies a good reason, "a greater reason" implies a comparison and emphasizes importance relative to other reasons. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what the lesser reasons are to effectively highlight the significance of the 'greater' one. Remember to avoid overstating its importance when the justification isn't significantly more compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more compelling motive

Emphasizes the motivating aspect, shifting from reason to underlying drive.

a more significant cause

Focuses on the causal aspect, highlighting the importance of the underlying cause.

a more substantial basis

Replaces 'reason' with 'basis', suggesting a firmer ground for something.

a weightier consideration

Highlights the importance of considering the reason, implying it carries significant weight.

a paramount rationale

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the rationale behind an action or decision.

a primary impetus

Shifts the focus to the driving force or initial motivation behind something.

a deeper purpose

Highlights a more profound intention or objective.

a higher calling

Implies a noble or moral imperative that surpasses ordinary reasons.

an overriding justification

Emphasizes that the justification is more important than any other.

a fundamental explanation

Highlights that the explanation is essential to the matter at hand.

FAQs

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

Use "a greater reason" to introduce a more significant justification or purpose compared to other, less important factors. For example: "While financial gain was a factor, there was "a greater reason" behind his decision – a desire to help others."

What phrases are similar to "a greater reason"?

Alternatives include "a more compelling motive", "a more significant cause", or "a deeper purpose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a greater reason" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a greater reason" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its appropriateness depends on the context; ensure it accurately reflects a significantly more important justification.

What's the difference between "a great reason" and "a greater reason"?

"A great reason" implies a very good reason, while "a greater reason" implies a reason that is more significant or compelling than other reasons. "A greater reason" suggests a comparison, while "a great reason" simply denotes quality.