a primary reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main cause or motivation behind a particular action or situation. Example: "The lack of funding was a primary reason for the project's delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A primary reason for the slowdown was a marked decline in growth in Malaysia's mining sector.

The New York Times

A primary reason for this surge has been the leniency allowed businesses to employ undocumented workers.

The New York Times

Loosening of the glenoid component is a primary reason for failure of an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

One issue often cited as a primary reason for migrating to IPv6 support is security.

IPv6 Theory, Protocol, and Practice

Their growing bond is evident — and a primary reason for the Knicks' recent resurgence.

The New York Times - Sports

And perhaps the money he received was not a primary reason for his participation.

The New York Times - Sports

A primary reason for the irregular seasonal variation in tropics is that Tm has rather small variations in this region.

Advances in Space Research

It said that a major funding shortfall was a "primary reason" for the gulf between detection and treatment.

The Guardian

Even with the best intentions in mind, bad management is a primary reason for properties standing empty.

The Guardian

His inability to find adequate replacements for the legion of injured players was a primary reason for criticism.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Sokol, for example, pointed to his location as a primary reason for starting his retreat business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary reason for", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether it's the only reason or one of several. If other reasons exist, consider using phrases like "one of the primary reasons" for greater accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary reason for" when the identified reason is minor or inconsequential. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary reason for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a cause, justification, or explanation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a primary reason for" is a grammatically correct and very common way to introduce the main cause or justification behind a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While "a primary reason for" indicates a significant factor, it's important to remember that it may not be the only factor. When there are multiple contributing elements, consider using "one of the primary reasons for" to ensure accuracy. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly defining the reason and avoiding overstatements that could weaken your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major cause of

Emphasizes the causal relationship more strongly than "reason".

a key factor in

Highlights the importance of the element as one of several contributing influences.

a main contributing element to

Stresses the contribution of the element to the final result.

a leading factor for

Indicates that the factor is prominent among several.

the principal motive behind

Focuses on the motivation or intent driving a decision or action.

the dominant influence on

Highlights the pervasive and powerful effect of the element.

a significant determinant of

Emphasizes the role of the element in shaping or deciding an outcome.

the foremost rationale for

Underscores the logical justification or explanation.

the central impetus for

Conveys the driving force or stimulus behind something.

the chief justification for

Emphasizes the element as the main defense or support for something.

FAQs

How to use "a primary reason for" in a sentence?

Use "a primary reason for" to introduce the main cause or justification behind something. For example, "A primary reason for the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a major cause of", "a key factor in", or "a main contributing element to" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a primary reason for" even if there are other reasons?

Yes, it's acceptable, but it's more accurate to say "one of the primary reasons for" if there are multiple significant factors.

What's the difference between "a primary reason for" and "the only reason for"?

"A primary reason for" indicates a main reason among others, while "the only reason for" suggests there are no other contributing factors.