a single reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to indicate that there is only one logical explanation or motivation for something. For example, "I went to bed early last night for a single reason: I was exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Metals rarely fail for a single reason.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nonetheless, Pond is hopeful — and for a single reason.

The New York Times

Nor does it vanish for a single reason.

The New York Times

Says it couldn't work, but not a single reason.

The Guardian

"They have not given us a single reason to vote for them.

The New York Times

Q: Can you give a single reason why the January results were inflated?

The Guardian

I cannot think of a single reason why that should be.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't really have a single reason to doubt this because the boy is working hard.

The Guardian - Sport

Why would anyone want to take pity on me?" I can't think of a single reason.

The Guardian

I could not think of a single reason to transfer them to a serving dish.

The New York Times - Food

And it has worked for a single reason: I am male.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single reason", ensure that the context clearly supports the exclusivity of that reason. Avoid using it when multiple factors are involved, as this can mislead your audience.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex situations by attributing them to "a single reason" when multiple factors are clearly at play. Acknowledge other potential influences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single reason" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier or object of a preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies a unique explanation or justification for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single reason" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a sole cause or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and academic settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely supports the exclusivity of that reason to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives such as "one reason alone" or "sole justification" can offer nuanced variations, but maintain the focus on a singular explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one reason alone

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the reason; highlights that no other factors are involved.

just one explanation

Highlights the simplicity of the reason; implying there's no complex reasoning involved.

the only cause

Focuses on cause rather than reason, implying a direct causal relationship and eliminating other potential causes.

sole justification

Focuses on the justification aspect, suggesting the single reason is the only acceptable excuse.

the primary explanation

Emphasizes that the single reason is the most important explanation among others, if any.

a solitary motive

Highlights that there's only one driving force behind an action or decision.

one contributing factor

Highlights that a single factor played a role, implying a contribution to a broader outcome.

a unique rationale

Suggests that the reason is not only single, but also distinct and specific to the situation.

the single impetus

Highlights the role of "a single reason" as the initial driving force behind something.

a clear-cut cause

Implies a direct and easily identifiable reason behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single reason" to emphasize that only one factor explains a situation. For example, "She moved to the city for "a single reason": to pursue her career."

What are some alternatives to using "a single reason"?

Alternatives include "the only cause", "one reason alone", or "sole justification". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to attribute something to "a single reason"?

Not always. Many events have multiple contributing factors. Use "a single reason" only when one factor overwhelmingly explains the situation. Be careful to avoid "oversimplification".

What's the difference between "a single reason" and "several reasons"?

"A single reason" indicates that there is only one cause or justification, while "several reasons" implies multiple contributing factors. Using the correct phrase is essential for accurate communication.