definitive reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a certain reason is the only or the final explanation for something. For example: "The definitive reason for her coming late was due to traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Kwon refuses to signal any definitive reason.

The New Yorker

But there is no definitive reason".

The New York Times

Neither group gave a definitive reason for their pick.

The New York Times

Researchers have been struggling for decades to find a definitive reason for the steady rise in those with no religion.

The Guardian

It does not provide a definitive reason why the two types of students perform so differently, but it offers possible explanations.

The New York Times

But it cannot be the definitive reason because the gradual, but inexorable, circulation decline predated the widespread use of the net through the extension of broadband.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Scientists are looking for more plausible and definitive reasons why some people live much longer than others.

The Economist

It is hard to find definitive reasons, but conversations with Syrians across the migration trail and a survey of recently available data suggest a mixture of the following.

The Guardian

While the research does not provide definitive reasons behind this disparity, as they are "likely multifactorial", it does offer some hypotheses, including the "inferior underlying health status" of children from low-income families.

The Guardian

And yet, to those students who applied to these and other universities this year, perhaps these preliminary statistics begin to provide a bit of a rough sense of the relative dimensions of the pools in which you've chosen to dive — if not necessarily definitive reasons why one particular college got hot, and another cooled down.

The New York Times

Definitive reasons for defective intermetallic compound formation are not known.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definitive reason", ensure that the context provides enough evidence or support to justify the claim that the reason is indeed conclusive. Avoid using it speculatively.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive reason" if the explanation is still debated or lacks strong support. Overusing it can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive reason" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "definitive" modifies the noun "reason". It indicates a specific and conclusive cause or justification. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive reason" serves to highlight a conclusive and authoritative explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific, and formal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context supports the claim of finality, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "conclusive explanation" or "primary cause" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, enhancing the precision of your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, fitting well within academic and professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive explanation

Replaces "reason" with "explanation", emphasizing the clarifying nature of the cause.

decisive factor

Shifts from a reason to a factor, highlighting a determinant influencing element.

primary cause

Highlights the main reason or origin for something.

ultimate rationale

Emphasizes the fundamental logic behind an action or decision.

key determinant

Focuses on the most important element influencing an outcome.

main justification

Specifies the principal reason offered to defend or explain something.

underlying logic

Highlights the fundamental and often less obvious reasoning.

chief motive

Emphasizes the principal incentive or purpose behind an action.

settled account

Indicates that the reason is now firmly accepted and considered final.

the last word

Implies the ultimate and unarguable explanation

FAQs

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

Use "definitive reason" when you want to state the most important or conclusive explanation for something. For instance, "The "definitive reason" for the project's failure was lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to saying "definitive reason"?

You could use phrases like "conclusive explanation", "primary cause", or "ultimate rationale" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "definitive reason" or "main reason"?

"Definitive reason" suggests a conclusive explanation that leaves little room for doubt, while "main reason" simply indicates the primary but not necessarily only explanation. The best choice depends on the context and the strength of the evidence.

What's the difference between "definitive reason" and "a possible explanation"?

"Definitive reason" implies certainty and completeness, whereas "a possible explanation" suggests speculation and uncertainty. Use ""definitive reason"" when you have strong evidence and "a possible explanation" when you are offering a potential but unproven cause.