first reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first reason why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing the initial point or argument in a discussion or explanation. Example: "The first reason why we should invest in renewable energy is to reduce our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That's the first reason why democrats in Europe would like remain to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is only the first reason why the Dutch government is playing down the vote's significance.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is the first reason why Hefce should be saved – to keep the sticky fingers of ministers off our universities.

The Guardian

The first reason why the E.U. 27 should vote "yes" is that the U.N. resolution is an attempt to keep the two-state solution alive.

The New York Times

"The first reason why I want to come back is for my family and friends who supported me through my cancer," Galarraga said.

The New York Times

This is the first reason why the case is called smart, because it works with the iPhone's operating software.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And as a regular Twitter user since 2009, I remember the first reasons why I fell in love with using it as a tool.

Independent

But there's a second reason why this is a really bad deviation.

Yale University

Petitioners advance a second reason why there is no federal jurisdiction in this case.

Cornell University

Second reason why I like this definition is it focuses on the decisions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thus its motion is a second reason why that air is not condensed into water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first reason why", ensure that subsequent reasons are clearly indicated with phrases like "second reason why" or "finally" to maintain a logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "first reason why" without providing additional reasons. If only one reason exists, consider using a stronger, less sequential phrase like "the primary reason" or "the main reason".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first reason why" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of an explanation or justification. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correctly used to present the initial point in a series of reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first reason why" is a grammatically correct and commonly used introductory phrase that signals the beginning of a series of explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates its presence in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that subsequent reasons are clearly articulated to maintain a logical flow. If only one reason exists, consider using alternative phrasing that doesn't imply a sequence, as explained by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason for

Focuses on the reason being the most important, not necessarily the chronological first.

main reason why

Emphasizes the importance or significance of the reason.

initial reason why

Highlights that it's the beginning or starting point of the reasons.

the foremost reason

Emphasizes prominence and importance rather than strict sequence.

the principal cause of

Shifts the focus to causality, indicating a key factor contributing to a result.

a key factor is

Highlights a significant element among several.

the starting point is

Focuses on the origin or initiation of a chain of events or reasoning.

to begin with

Introduces an initial point or argument in a sequence.

in the first place

Indicates the primary or initial consideration.

initially

Signifies the beginning stage or original intent, with a less causal focus.

FAQs

How do I use "first reason why" in a sentence?

Use "first reason why" to introduce the initial point in a list of explanations or justifications. For example, "The first reason why I chose this project is its innovative approach".

What can I say instead of "first reason why"?

You can use alternatives like "primary reason for", "main reason why", or "initial reason why" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to provide a "second reason why" after using "first reason why"?

While not grammatically mandatory, it's logically expected to follow "first reason why" with subsequent reasons. If you only have one reason, consider using alternative phrasing that doesn't imply a sequence.

What's the difference between "first reason why" and "primary reason why"?

"First reason why" implies a chronological sequence of reasons, while "primary reason why" emphasizes the importance or significance of a single reason, regardless of order.