greater reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a more significant or compelling justification for something. Example: "There is a greater reason for our decision that goes beyond mere financial considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Perhaps there's a greater reason why they were so drawn to Zardoz beyond its psychedelic trippiness.

The Guardian - Music

With respect to Shiite eschatology, there is greater reason for concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

The greater reason for sticking with paper is probably simple inertia.

The New York Times

Yet in these circumstances, the Democrats may have the greater reason to worry.

The Economist

But my greater reason is that the result underlines what makes cricket so different from other sports.

The Economist

Massimiliano Pasqui, from the Institute of Biometeorology at Italy's National Research Council, said the bel paese has even greater reason than its neighbours to act on climate change.

The Guardian

Cycling has taken the war against drugs far more seriously than most sports - although, of course, it has a far greater reason to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

An even greater reason that there is little change is that most homes are kept within families or sold to neighbors or to the relatives of neighbors.

The New York Times

A shift in the ethnic balance may bring the opposition a few extra seats, so it has greater reason to make elections work this time.

The Economist

But a greater reason is piracy; the federation estimates that 55 percent of Internet users in India go to unlicensed music services on a monthly basis.

The New York Times

Such inquiries require agents to first have a greater reason to start scrutinizing someone: either an "information or allegation" or an "articulable factual basis" indicating possible wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greater reason" when you want to emphasize that one reason is more important or compelling than another. For instance, "There's a "greater reason" to invest in renewable energy beyond just environmental concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "greater reason" when simply listing reasons of equal importance. "There are many reasons to support this proposal, including X, Y, and a "greater reason" Z" is incorrect. Instead, say "the most important reason is Z."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The primary function it to indicate a more important cause, motive or consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize a more significant justification or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register and widespread presence across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian make it versatile for both formal and informal writing. When looking for alternative ways to use "greater reason", consider "stronger justification" or "more compelling rationale", which each add subtle nuances to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stronger justification

Emphasizes the strength of the justification, rather than simply its magnitude.

more compelling rationale

Highlights the persuasiveness of the reason, focusing on its ability to convince.

more significant cause

Shifts the focus to the underlying cause, emphasizing its importance.

more important motive

Focuses on the driving force behind an action, underlining its priority.

better explanation

Suggests a clearer or more satisfactory explanation for something.

primary impetus

Highlights the initial driving force behind something.

principal consideration

Emphasizes the main factor to be taken into account.

overriding concern

Focuses on the most important concern that takes precedence over others.

weightier consideration

Highlights the heaviness or importance of something to consider.

chief determinant

Identifies the main factor that influences an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "greater reason" to highlight a more compelling or significant justification for something. For example, "There is a "greater reason" for concern now than there was before."

What can I say instead of "greater reason"?

You can use alternatives like "stronger justification", "more compelling rationale", or "more significant cause" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "greater reason" in formal writing?

Yes, "greater reason" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and widely used in news articles, academic papers, and professional documents.

What is the difference between "reason" and "greater reason"?

"Reason" simply indicates a justification or explanation. "Greater reason" implies a more significant or compelling justification compared to others.