central reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"central reason" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the primary or most important reason for something. For example: The central reason for our success in the project was effective teamwork. In this sentence, "central reason" emphasizes that effective teamwork was the key factor in achieving success in the project. Another example: The central reason for the decline in sales was the company's failure to adapt to changing market trends. Here, "central reason" highlights that the failure to adapt was the main cause of the decline in sales.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the central reason is personal.

The Guardian - Travel

First, and the central reason for it being put on the ballot, Prop.

University of California, Berkeley

The central reason for reform, however, has come from pressure closer to home.

The Guardian - Sport

The central reason for this desirability gap is found in the cost calculations of American drivers.

The Guardian - Opinion

King had cited the investigation as a central reason for backing out of the deal.

The New York Times

"A central reason for that can be summed up in one word: Iraq".

The New Yorker

That, in the end, is the central reason why I have been musing of late.

The New York Times

To show black life, period, was the central reason black papers were founded.

The New York Times

Yet the central reason for all the deals is falling prices.

The Economist

That process, they say, has been a central reason for the extraordinary sluggishness of the recovery.

The New York Times

The central reason for the importance of tonight's debate is of course Mr. Perry's predicament.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in a single piece of writing. While effective, using "central reason" too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms to vary your language.

Common error

Avoid presenting minor contributing factors as the "central reason". Ensure that the reason you highlight truly is the most significant and influential factor, not just a supporting detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, identifying the primary cause or justification. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to emphasize the most important reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the primary cause or justification for something. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it is most commonly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When writing, be mindful to reserve "central reason" for the single, most influential factor and avoid redundancy by using synonyms to ensure a varied tone. Understanding the nuanced differences between related phrases such as "primary cause", "main reason", and "key factor" will enable more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Replaces 'reason' with 'cause', focusing on the origin of an event or situation. It emphasizes the causal relationship more directly.

main reason

A more direct and simple synonym. It lacks some of the emphasis of "central", but remains very close in meaning.

core reason

Emphasizes the fundamental and essential nature of the reason. Implies the reason is at the heart of the matter.

principal factor

Substitutes 'reason' with 'factor', which implies one of several contributing elements, but the 'principal' qualifier elevates its importance.

key factor

Similar to 'principal factor', but slightly less formal and emphasizes importance more than contribution.

chief reason

Synonymous with 'main reason', but may suggest a more hierarchical importance.

underlying reason

Focuses on a less obvious but fundamental cause. Not interchangeable in all contexts, as it implies something not immediately apparent.

primary driver

Mixes the idea of cause and effect, the driving force being the catalyst for an effect or reaction.

driving force

Shifts the focus to what propels an action or event. It's more active than "central reason".

root cause

Highlights the origin or source from which a problem arises. It's most suitable when discussing problems.

FAQs

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

Use "central reason" to highlight the primary cause or justification for a particular outcome or situation. For example, "The "central reason" for the company's success was its innovative product design".

What are some alternatives to "central reason"?

Alternatives include "main reason", "primary cause", "principal factor", or "key factor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the most central reason"?

Yes, adding "most" before "central reason" is generally redundant. The word "central" already implies the primary or most important reason, so adding "most" doesn't add any additional meaning.

How does "central reason" differ from "a reason"?

"A reason" simply indicates one of potentially many factors, while "central reason" specifies the single most important factor. Using "central reason" emphasizes that this particular reason is the key determinant.