immediate reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate reason for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the direct cause or justification for an action or event. Example: "The immediate reason for the project's delay was a lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That two people in baseball would have the same agent is not immediate reason for suspicion.

The New York Times

He acknowledged that the recession was the immediate reason for the demise of his family's business.

The New York Times

The immediate reason for the change is obvious: NBC is drowning in the ratings.

The New York Times - Arts

But afterwards there is usually no immediate reason for the recipient to call back.

MIT Technology Review

No immediate reason for the canceled dates was given, but disappointing ticket sales was the likely culprit.

The New York Times - Arts

The most immediate reason for this, especially outside Russia, was the suppression of the Hungarian democratic revolution in November 1956.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Among the immediate reasons for my mother's decline was the weight of history, the personal insult, the traumas, and the fears for the future," Oz said.

The New Yorker

The immediate reasons for the price increase are the rising cost of oil and reduced supply caused by floods in Ecuador, the world's biggest banana exporter.

The New York Times

Leaving to one side the depressing fact that Britain's industrial base is too small and too specialised, there are three immediate reasons for this performance.

The Guardian - Business

Mr Justice Tugendhat, sitting in London, said he had reached a 'clear view' that he should not grant an injunction but gave no immediate reasons for his decision".

The Guardian - Sport

Both Har Homa and Maale Adumim are settlements with strong political underpinning, whose status remained stubbornly unresolved in the "final-status" talks with Mr Barak.Palestinians have more immediate reasons for wanting a freeze.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate reason for", ensure it accurately reflects the most direct and apparent cause, not a secondary or contributing factor.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate reason for" when describing a factor that only contributes partially to the outcome. The phrase should denote the most direct and evident cause, not a less significant influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate reason for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability. This phrase identifies the direct or most apparent cause of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "immediate reason for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to pinpoint the most direct cause of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from formal academic writing to news reports. While alternatives like "direct cause of" or "primary motive for" exist, "immediate reason for" provides a clear and concise way to express the primary cause. Be mindful to differentiate between contributing factors and the actual, immediate cause when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proximate cause of

Focuses on the direct and closely related cause, implying a stronger causal link.

direct cause of

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the cause.

main reason for

Highlights the primary factor influencing a situation, possibly overshadowing other contributing factors.

primary motive for

Shifts the focus to the intention or goal that drives an action.

underlying cause of

Suggests a more fundamental and less obvious reason behind the surface.

precipitating factor for

Indicates the event or condition that triggered a specific outcome.

driving force behind

Implies a strong and influential cause that propels an event or action forward.

catalyst for

Emphasizes the role of something that initiates or accelerates a change or event.

trigger for

Points to a specific event that immediately sets off a chain of events.

prompting factor for

Highlights an element that incites or encourages a certain action or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "immediate reason for" in a sentence?

Use "immediate reason for" to specify the most direct cause or justification for an event or action. For example: "The "immediate reason for" the project delay was a lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "immediate reason for"?

You can use alternatives like "direct cause of", "primary motive for", or "precipitating factor for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the most immediate reason for"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "the most immediate reason for" can be redundant. "Immediate reason for" already implies the most direct and apparent cause, so adding "most" is generally unnecessary.

What's the difference between "immediate reason for" and "underlying cause of"?

"Immediate reason for" refers to the direct and apparent cause, while "underlying cause of" refers to a less obvious, more fundamental reason that may not be immediately apparent.