chief reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to denote a primary argument or factor in a discussion or list. For example, "The chief reason we chose the new location was its close proximity to the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His friendship with Margot had been their chief reason for coming to Nice the first time.

The New Yorker

The chief reason to like the Rams' chances is Marshall Faulk.

The New York Times - Sports

But the chief reason to run to Lincoln Center is Megan Fairchild as the grown Florence.

The New York Times - Arts

Carper cited climate change as his chief reason for voting against the bill.

Huffington Post

But my chief reason for hesitation is, who wants to grade Joe anyway?

The New York Times - Books

The chief reason they got the triumph in the first game was Howard Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

The chief reason?

The New York Times

The chief reason resides in Downing Street.

The Economist

The chief reason is geography.

The New York Times - Travel

The chief reason for the company's survival?

The New York Times

Yet the chief reason is a lack of effective leadership.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chief reason" to clearly and directly state the primary cause, motive, or justification for a particular situation or decision. This helps ensure clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "chief reason" repeatedly in a single paragraph or short piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "primary cause", "main justification", or "principal motive" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief reason" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the primary explanation or justification for a situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief reason" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to highlight the primary cause, motive, or justification behind a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles to academic discussions. While generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings to enhance sophistication. Understanding the phrase's function and purpose ensures its effective use in your writing, contributing to clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Focuses more directly on the causal aspect, rather than a justification or explanation.

main justification

Emphasizes the act of providing reasons or defenses, rather than pure causation.

principal motive

Highlights the underlying motivation behind an action or decision.

key factor

Broader term encompassing any significant element contributing to an outcome.

central argument

Applicable when the "chief reason" is part of a debate or persuasive discourse.

core explanation

Suggests a fundamental explanation that clarifies a complex situation.

major consideration

Highlights the importance of a particular factor in a decision-making process.

prime driver

Implies a force that propels or initiates an action or event.

overriding concern

Emphasizes that the reason is so important that it dominates all other considerations.

fundamental basis

Points to the underlying foundation or groundwork for something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "chief reason" in a sentence?

To use "chief reason" effectively, ensure it directly introduces the most important factor or justification. For example, "The "chief reason" for the company's success was its innovative product design".

What are some alternatives to "chief reason"?

Some alternatives to "chief reason" include "primary cause", "main justification", or "principal motive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "chief reason" formal or informal?

"Chief reason" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using "principal reason" or "primary cause".

When should I use "chief reason" versus "a reason"?

Use "chief reason" when you want to emphasize that the reason you are stating is the most important or influential one. Use "a reason" when you are listing one of several contributing factors.