be the main reason

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Optimism over more prudent capital expenditures appeared to be the main reason.

The New York Times

This substitution appears to be the main reason for the platy nature of lizardite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This question of temperament and ability might be the main reason so few people write both poetry and fiction.

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM MIKE ANDREW: What do you believe to be the main reason for Facebook's modest market debut?

The New Yorker

And he predicted the Nets arena project would be the main reason legislators would support the measure.

The New York Times

But aerial prowess may not be the main reason the champions broke their transfer record for Slimani.

The Guardian - Sport

But the provision for the vitamin case seemed to be the main reason behind the fall in Roche's stock today.

The New York Times

Formation of MgH2 may be the main reason for this.

Electrochimica Acta

These properties may be the main reason of its cytotoxicity.

Journal of Organometallic Chemistry

The interfacial reactions between LTO and electrolyte solution may be the main reason.

Electrochimica Acta

However, trapped gas appeared to be the main reason for ignition.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be the main reason", ensure that the context clearly supports the claim that this reason is, in fact, the most significant one. Provide supporting evidence or justification to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "be the main reason" when other factors contribute significantly. If multiple reasons exist, consider phrases like "one of the main reasons" or "a contributing factor" to reflect a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the main reason" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with the primary cause or justification. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's used to assign the principal explanation for a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be the main reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that identifies the primary cause or justification for a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While it's vital to ensure that the identified reason is genuinely the most significant factor, understanding its usage allows for clear and effective communication. Related phrases like "be the primary cause" or "be the key factor" can provide nuanced alternatives, enhancing precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the primary cause

This alternative focuses on the causal relationship, highlighting that it's the initial cause.

be the principal factor

This alternative emphasizes the significance of the element as a key determinant.

be the key factor

This option highlights that it's the most important element.

be the underlying cause

This suggests a deeper, less obvious reason that is fundamental.

be the major determinant

This emphasizes the role as a decisive element that strongly influences an outcome.

be the driving force

This alternative implies that the reason is an active force propelling an action or event.

be the root cause

This suggests that it's the fundamental reason from which other problems arise.

be the central reason

This emphasizes that the reason is at the core of the matter.

be the chief cause

This alternative indicates the most important among multiple causes.

be the prime mover

This suggests that the reason initiates action or change.

FAQs

How can I use "be the main reason" in a sentence?

Use "be the main reason" to identify the primary cause or justification for a particular outcome or situation. For example, "The lack of funding may "be the main reason" for the project's delay".

What are some alternatives to "be the main reason"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be the primary cause", "be the key factor", or "be the underlying cause".

Is it grammatically correct to say "be the main reason"?

Yes, "be the main reason" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate the principal cause or factor.

What's the difference between "be the main reason" and "be a contributing factor"?

"Be the main reason" implies that it is the most significant cause, while "be a contributing factor" suggests it's one of several reasons that contributed to the outcome.