initial reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or first reason for something, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The initial reason for the project's delay was a lack of funding, which led to further complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the initial reason for it was more prosaic.

The Guardian

In many cases, the initial reason for the activity is benign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rivera also deserved the save, Torre added, but he then returned to his initial reason.

The New York Times - Sports

But as more lesbians and single women became clients, the initial reason for secrecy wasn't applicable".

The New York Times - Health

But he said that the initial reason for leaving Spain — cheaper labor costs elsewhere — was dwindling.

The New York Times

I can't recall the initial reason, but for the next several years this was how I behaved.

The Guardian - Books

The initial reason for undertaking the journey was the jubilee, but that was quickly overtaken by the Scottish question.

The Guardian

"The initial reason to say yes to TV was the money -- it was just too big," Lurie says.

The New York Times - Magazine

The initial reason given for a third track was an increase in reverse commuting from Manhattan to Long Island.

The New York Times

Boogaard also hurt his shoulder in the fight, the initial reason given for his absence from subsequent games.

The New York Times - Sports

By the time I ordered my hive, the initial reason for having one — to learn about colony-collapse disorder — had dissipated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial reason", ensure it accurately reflects the first or primary cause, as other factors may have subsequently influenced the situation. Be precise in distinguishing it from secondary reasons or contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "initial reason" remains the sole or most significant factor over time. Situations evolve, and the initial cause may be overshadowed by subsequent developments or compounding influences. Always provide context to demonstrate the relationship between them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies the original or first cause of something. As Ludwig shows, it commonly appears as the subject or object of a sentence, providing context or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial reason" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to indicate the origin or primary cause of an event or situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful to distinguish it from subsequent or contributing factors, and avoid redundancy by rephrasing sentences like "the initial reason was because". Alternative phrases such as "primary cause" or "original motivation" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Emphasizes the causal aspect more strongly than "initial reason".

original motivation

Focuses on the driving force or intention behind an action.

starting point

Highlights the origin or beginning of a process or decision.

root cause

Implies a more fundamental and underlying reason.

first intention

Focuses on the original plan or aim.

early impetus

Stresses the initial driving force or momentum.

basic rationale

Emphasizes the fundamental logical basis.

underlying justification

Highlights the reason used to defend or support something.

preliminary basis

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the reason.

original ground

Implies the foundation upon which something is based.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial reason" to describe the primary cause or motivation behind an event or decision. For example, "The "initial reason" for the project's delay was a lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "initial reason"?

Alternatives to "initial reason" include "primary cause", "original motivation", or "starting point", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the initial reason was because"?

While commonly used, the phrase "the initial reason was because" can be redundant. It's often clearer to say "the "initial reason" was" or "the reason was because".

What is the difference between "initial reason" and "main reason"?

"Initial reason" refers specifically to the first or original cause, while "main reason" refers to the most significant or influential cause, which may not necessarily be the first.