a key reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an important factor or explanation for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "A key reason for the project's success was the team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Scott missed a key reason for audiences' current appetite for fantasy movies.

The New York Times

A key reason for this Sunday afternoon drama was Bjorn's latest collapse.

The Guardian - Sport

Support among the young appears to be a key reason for the BJP's success.

The Guardian

A key reason for Fisher's involvement in Corbyn's Labour party is the anti-austerity stance.

The Guardian

Balkam points to the anonymity allowed on Kik as a key reason for his concern.

The Guardian - Tech

The report notes that a key reason for this is how demanding the job can be.

The Guardian

Lack of supply has been cited as a key reason for rising prices across the country.

The Guardian - Money

A key reason for the buying power is a still strong employment market.

The New York Times

The group cited Israel's construction surge as a key reason for the failure.

Independent

A key reason for this unpopularity is the widespread perception that the strikes overwhelmingly kill civilians.

The New York Times

But in the early 1940's ideology was a key reason for espionage, both in the United States and Britain.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key reason for", ensure that the reason you are citing is genuinely significant and not merely a contributing factor of lesser importance. Provide evidence or context to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a key reason for" when the factor you're describing is only a minor contributor. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key reason for" functions as a causal connector, introducing a significant cause or explanation for a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key reason for" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a significant cause or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It's most commonly found in news articles and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason you're citing is indeed a primary factor and provide adequate support. Remember to avoid overstating the importance of minor contributors. Alternative phrases include "a primary cause of" and "a major factor in". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a key reason for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary cause of

Focuses more directly on causation rather than explanation.

a major factor in

Emphasizes the significance of the factor contributing to an outcome.

the main reason for

Highlights the principal reason among others.

an important factor for

Similar in meaning, but puts slightly less emphasis on the reason being the most important.

a significant cause of

Focuses on the importance of the cause.

a crucial factor in

Highlights the factor as critical or essential.

the principal cause of

Points out the leading cause.

a central explanation for

Emphasizes the explanatory aspect of the reason.

a foremost cause of

Emphasizes the prominence of the cause.

a predominant factor in

Highlights the prevalence or dominance of the factor.

FAQs

What does "a key reason for" mean?

The phrase "a key reason for" indicates a primary or significant cause or explanation for a particular situation or event.

What can I say instead of "a key reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary cause of", "a major factor in", or "the main reason for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the key reason for" instead of "a key reason for"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "The key reason for" suggests there is one primary reason, while "a key reason for" suggests it is one of several important reasons.

How do I use "a key reason for" in a sentence?

You can use "a key reason for" to introduce an explanation or cause. For example, "A key reason for the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."