a single reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single reason why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that there is only one specific reason for something. Example: "There is a single reason why I chose this path, and that is my passion for helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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 have not heard a single reason why it should be different for mutual funds than operating companies".

The New York Times

If you had to highlight a single reason why Barlow's solo career initially flopped, you might alight on a certain lack of charisma.

The Guardian - Music

I can't think of a single reason why the coverage would be limited other than some conservative agenda from the powers that be.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't see a single reason why somebody who invented the whole story would ever get into a more complex variant of a surgical intervention.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There is no single reason why people vote for a particular candidate in a particular country at a particular time.

The Guardian

And Mark Haviland, managing director at Rakuten Marketing Europe, added: "The single reason why there aren't a few digits more on the growth of the economy is because of the way companies are structured.

The Guardian

The cabinet minister told MPs: "It's really ridiculous to assume that every single reason why someone is going to a food bank is down to what the DWP does.

The Guardian

Although there is no single reason why I decided to move to Singapore, a major incentive was the opportunity to run my own research group.

Science Magazine

Tomkins, who has made such a successful switch from stand-off in the second half of the season, will be the biggest single reason why Potter must be wary of plumping for Wigan.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single reason why" to emphasize that there is only one specific factor contributing to a particular outcome, especially when multiple possibilities exist.

Common error

Avoid using "a single reason why" when multiple factors are clearly at play. Overusing it can oversimplify complex situations and mislead readers. Instead, acknowledge the multiple contributing causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single reason why" functions as a causal connector, introducing the specific factor or cause that explains a particular outcome. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single reason why" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves as a causal connector, highlighting a specific factor or cause. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and useful for emphasizing a unique explanation. It appears frequently in news and media, but also finds use in science and business contexts. While effective for emphasizing a singular cause, it's important to avoid oversimplification when multiple factors contribute to an outcome. Remember that clear, precise language enhances communication, and carefully selected phrases like this one contribute to clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one reason why

Omits "single" for brevity, slightly less emphatic.

a primary reason why

Replaces "single" with "primary", focusing on the main reason.

the main reason why

Emphasizes the reason as the most important one.

a key reason why

Highlights the reason's importance or significance.

a crucial reason why

Stresses the reason's critical nature.

a notable reason why

Highlights the reason's noteworthiness.

one explanation for why

Substitutes "reason" with "explanation", shifting the focus slightly.

the sole cause of

Focuses on the unique origin or starting point of an action.

a specific cause for

Emphasizes a particular cause.

the determining factor

Indicates the most important element that influences an event.

FAQs

How to use "a single reason why" in a sentence?

You can use "a single reason why" to highlight the primary cause or explanation for something. For example, "A single reason why the project failed was lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "a single reason why"?

You can use alternatives like "one reason why", "the main reason why", or "the primary reason why" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "a single reason why"?

Yes, "a single reason why" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that there is only one specific reason for something.

What is the difference between "a reason why" and "a single reason why"?

"A single reason why" is more emphatic than "a reason why". It highlights that there is only one particular explanation, while "a reason why" simply acknowledges one of potentially multiple reasons.