chief explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary reason or main cause behind a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "The chief explanation for the increase in sales is the successful marketing campaign launched last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The chief explanation for the fourth-quarter setback was poor exports.

The Economist

The chief explanation for the correlation is the great uncertainty facing investors — mainly over the crisis in Europe, which has raised the specter of the potential bankruptcy of governments and a collapse of the banking system.

The New York Times

The chief explanation for the decline in numbers for "X-Factor" this season was the competition from "The Voice," which Fox executives have gone to great lengths to disparage as a lesser imitation of the real thing.

The New York Times

Mr. Greenspan has argued that an accelerating rate of productivity growth is the chief explanation for the boom that started in the mid-1990's as American companies increased their investments in computer-based information technologies, including the Internet.

The New York Times

In Singapore, local residents infrequently use traditional fuels (charcoal or wood) and usually use modern fuels (gas, kerosene, or electricity) for cooking, and the low frequency of use may be the chief explanation for our findings.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, recent data from San Francisco investigators demonstrates that virologic suppression is improving, and circulating levels of viremia are decreasing, arguing against poor engagement in care or poor adherence as chief explanations for our results [15].

Plosone

Particularly with PD [personality disorder]." (IS) The chief explanation given for repatriation was cost i.e. commissioners' beliefs that the NHS was cheaper or that the NHS is the preferred provider, regardless of quality of care.

BMC Health Services Research

On Saturday, Aurora's police chief, Daniel Oates, offered an explanation for why that might have been.

The New York Times

In March, Andy Haldane, the Bank of England's chief economist, offered another explanation for the growing gap between the most productive UK firms and the rest.

Harvard Business Review

Robert L. Crandall, American's crusty former chief executive, has another explanation for the silence -- one that neatly summarizes the state of air travel today.

The New York Times

Roys Poyiadjis, AremisSoft's co-chief executive, offered another explanation for the discrepancy yesterday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief explanation for", ensure that it genuinely represents the most significant and well-supported reason. Avoid using it for speculative or minor contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "chief explanation for" when there are multiple equally important factors. It's more accurate to acknowledge the complexity by using phrases like "one of the main reasons" or "a significant factor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief explanation for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the most important reason or cause for a particular phenomenon or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. It is used to highlight the primary factor that clarifies or accounts for something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief explanation for" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that identifies the primary reason or cause behind a particular event or situation, as Ludwig AI has indicated. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately represents the most significant factor and avoid overstating its importance when multiple factors are at play. Alternatives such as "main reason for" or "primary cause of" can be used for subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason for

Replaces "chief" with "main", providing a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

central explanation for

Similar to "chief", emphasizing the core or most important explanation.

primary cause of

Substitutes "explanation" with "cause", shifting the focus to a more direct causal relationship.

foremost reason for

Highlights the prominence or priority of the reason.

principal reason for

Emphasizes the importance of the reason, similar to "chief" but with a slightly different tone.

root cause of

Indicates the fundamental reason why something happened.

key factor in

Highlights the significant element contributing to a particular outcome.

underlying cause of

Focuses on the fundamental or root cause.

driving force behind

Implies a more active and influential role in causing something.

major contributing factor to

Acknowledges the presence of other factors but stresses the importance of one.

FAQs

What does "chief explanation for" mean?

The phrase "chief explanation for" refers to the most important or primary reason that explains why something is happening or has happened.

How can I use "chief explanation for" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce the main reason behind a particular event or situation. For example: "The "chief explanation for" the company's success is its innovative marketing strategy."

What can I say instead of "chief explanation for"?

You can use alternatives like "main reason for", "primary cause of", or "principal reason for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "chief explanation for" in formal writing?

Yes, "chief explanation for" can be used in formal writing, especially when presenting a well-supported and significant reason. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the relative importance of the explanation.