key reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"key reason" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to an important reason or justification for something. For example, "The key reason why I decided to take the job was the salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key reason is European politics.

The New York Times

A key reason is cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think that was a key reason.

Harvard University

That touches on another key reason for the UFC's success.

The Guardian - Sport

Public transport was a key reason Labor lost the election.

The Guardian

The key reason is that they are only provisional.

The Guardian - Opinion

Encouraging open discussion is the key reason for this book.

University of California, Berkeley

A key reason was fear, Dougan and others said.

The New York Times - Sports

This occurred for one key reason, researchers said: time.

The New York Times - Science

This is a key reason for their success.

Harvard Business Review

That's a key reason companies are looking abroad.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key reason", ensure it directly and clearly connects to the outcome or situation you are explaining. Avoid vagueness by providing specific details and evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "key reason" as a filler phrase. Always ensure that the reason you identify is genuinely the most important and that you can provide compelling evidence to support its significance. Otherwise, opt for a more general term like "a reason" or "an important factor."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key reason" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and emphasizes the most important justification or cause for a particular situation or outcome, similar to what Ludwig AI exemplified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key reason" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight the most important cause or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason you identify is genuinely the most significant and well-supported. Consider alternative phrases like "main reason" or "primary cause" depending on the nuance you want to convey. The frequency and authoritative sources citing this phrase underscore its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason

Replaces "key" with "main", emphasizing the primary importance.

primary cause

Substitutes "reason" with "cause", focusing on the origin of something.

principal motive

Uses "motive" instead of "reason", highlighting the driving force behind an action.

chief factor

Emphasizes the leading element contributing to a result.

central explanation

Replaces "reason" with "explanation", shifting the focus to understanding why something happened.

foremost rationale

Uses "rationale" instead of "reason", giving a more formal tone.

driving force

Offers a more dynamic way to describe the primary impetus.

underlying factor

Focuses on the fundamental reason, often less obvious.

most significant cause

Highlights the importance and impact of the cause.

fundamental basis

Emphasizes the groundwork or essential principle.

FAQs

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

You can use "key reason" to introduce the most important factor behind a decision, event, or situation. For instance, "The "key reason" for the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

What phrases are similar to "key reason"?

Alternatives to "key reason" include "main reason", "primary cause", or "principal motive", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "key reason" and "main reason" are acceptable, but "key reason" might subtly suggest a more nuanced or strategic importance, while "main reason" simply denotes the most important factor.

What's the difference between "key reason" and "underlying factor"?

"Key reason" typically refers to an obvious or explicitly stated cause, whereas "underlying factor" suggests a more fundamental, often less apparent, cause or influence.