a probable reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a probable reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a reason that is likely or plausible for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The delay in the project could be attributed to a probable reason: the unexpected shortage of materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A probable reason for such coincidence is briefly discussed.

Advances in Space Research

"Service is not as good there as in New York City," he said, citing predetermined gratuities as a probable reason.

The New York Times

All of these results provide a probable reason why the flow behavior in a nano-channel is particularly different from that in a macro duct.

Chemical Engineering Science

A probable reason for the metabolic stability of the proposed side chain not having the possibility of generating peroxy type radicals or acrylic acid moieties, unlike Romazarit, is discussed.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

However, since it must be expected that transients are an unavoidable problem within industry, this shortfall in knowledge has to be a concern and a probable reason why T-junctions are not used in situations where they could be advantageous.

Chemical Engineering Science

The difficulty in developing a topical, long-term release system is a probable reason that more attention has recently been given to the delivery of drugs from other administration sites in the eye.

Ocular Therapeutics Eye on New Discoveries

The main objective of this research is to evaluate if potential asymmetries in the bridge characteristics can be a probable reason that explain deck rotation observed in straight bridges.

Engineering Structures

Data were different in 2007, and the study said that a probable reason for the change was that the 35- to 44-year-old age group was hardest hit by the recession.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It would appear that an a priori probable reason why uranium should disintegrate more rapidly near the surface than at greater depths would bridge over the difficulty, and, if for that reason only, would deserve attention.

Nature

He said that safeguards were in place, ensuring there was always a "probable cause" or "arguable reason" before the database is scrutinised for intelligence about individuals connected to suspects.

The Guardian

An analysis of American counties found that a 5.9% rise in the percentage of adult smokers increased premature mortality rates by nearly 7%.A probable reason for a narrowing in the gap between male and female life-expectancy in recent decades is the sharper fall in tobacco use among men.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a probable reason", ensure that the context provides enough evidence to support the plausibility of the reason you are suggesting. Use hedging language if the reason is speculative.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a probable reason" as a definitive cause without sufficient evidence. Qualify your statement with phrases like "it is likely that" or "it is possible that" to reflect the level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a probable reason" functions as a noun phrase that serves to introduce a plausible explanation or cause for a particular event or situation. It is commonly used to suggest a reason that is considered likely based on available evidence. Ludwig AI also identifies this phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a probable reason" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a plausible explanation or cause, often in contexts where certainty is not possible but a logical connection can be established. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its frequent occurrence in scientific and news domains underscores its utility in analytical and explanatory writing. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the suggested reason is adequately supported by available evidence and presented with an appropriate degree of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely cause

Emphasizes the likelihood of the cause being the actual reason.

a plausible explanation

Highlights the believability and reasonableness of the explanation.

a possible factor

Suggests a potential contributing element to the situation.

a potential explanation

Focuses on the possibility that the explanation is accurate.

a credible rationale

Implies that the reason is believable and well-supported.

a good reason

Indicates a valid or justifiable reason.

a potential cause

Focuses on the possibility that the cause is accurate.

a conceivable explanation

Emphasizes that the explanation is understandable and imaginable.

a feasible rationale

Implies that the reason is achievable and realistic.

a suggested explanation

Highlights that the explanation is being proposed or offered.

FAQs

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

Use "a probable reason" to introduce a plausible explanation for an event or situation. For example, "A decline in sales is "a probable reason" for the company's financial difficulties."

What are some alternatives to saying "a probable reason"?

You can use alternatives like "a likely cause", "a plausible explanation", or "a possible factor" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a probable reason" or "the probable reason"?

The choice depends on the context. "A probable reason" suggests one of several possible reasons, while "the probable reason" implies it's the most likely reason among known possibilities.

What is the difference between "a probable reason" and "a possible reason"?

"A probable reason" suggests a higher likelihood than "a possible reason". "Probable" implies that there is some evidence supporting the explanation, while "possible" simply indicates that it could be true.