a key reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key reason why" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to explain an important factor in a situation, often when making an argument or giving an opinion. For example, "A key reason why I think it's important to reduce plastic waste is that it helps protect wildlife and the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a key reason why migrants' focus has swapped to the Tunnel in recent weeks.

Independent

That is a key reason why long putters offer an advantage.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a key reason why we don't have a multitude of working-class MPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

This democratic deficit has been a key reason why councils have returned to committees.

The Guardian

This is often seen as ridiculous – and a key reason why we should despise celebrities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bates, one of the Islanders' newcomers, was a key reason why.

The New York Times - Sports

Some strains depress; some stimulate; some suppress nausea, a key reason why marijuana is used by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The Economist

"Low-capital requirements, in giant bold letters, is a key reason why investors love this business," Mr. Knott said.

The New York Times

A key reason why white pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are not going to university is because of academic underachievement.

The Guardian

Curry's absence was seen as a key reason why the Friars never took off in league play this season.

The New York Times

St Mungos say a key reason why people end up sleeping rough is a difficult family background.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key reason why" to introduce a particularly important explanation or justification for a situation, decision, or outcome. It adds emphasis compared to simply stating "a reason why".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a key reason why". Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "a primary cause for" or "a major contributing factor to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key reason why" functions as a causal connector, introducing a significant explanation or justification for a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key reason why" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a significant explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from formal reports to informal discussions. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize its importance and avoid overuse in close succession. Consider substituting with options like "a primary cause for" or "a major contributing factor to" to maintain variety and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary cause for

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the reason.

a major contributing factor to

Highlights the significant contribution of the reason to a particular outcome.

an important element influencing

Focuses on the influence the reason has on something.

a significant driver of

Implies the reason is a powerful force behind something.

a crucial determinant in

Stresses the decisive role of the reason.

a notable factor explaining

Highlights the explanatory power of the reason.

a central aspect concerning

Indicates the reason is a core element related to the subject.

a vital consideration for

Emphasizes the importance of the reason when thinking about something.

an underlying motive behind

Suggests the reason is a less obvious motivation.

a fundamental basis for

Positions the reason as the groundwork for something else.

FAQs

How can I use "a key reason why" in a sentence?

Use "a key reason why" to introduce an important explanation. For instance, "A key reason why the project failed was inadequate planning".

What are some alternatives to "a key reason why"?

Alternatives include "a primary cause for", "a major contributing factor to", or "an important element influencing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "a key reason why"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in explanatory contexts. For example, "A key reason why sales declined was the lack of marketing".

What's the difference between "a key reason why" and "a reason why"?

"A key reason why" emphasizes that the reason being presented is particularly important or significant, whereas "a reason why" is a more general statement of causality.