predominant reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"predominant reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the main reason why something is happening or a major factor contributing to a situation. For example: "The predominant reason for their success is the hard work and dedication of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kidd is the predominant reason for the turnaround.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is the predominant reason why Microsoft has gone after Yahoo," Mr. Gownder said.

The New York Times - Tech

The judge jumped in: "What was your predominant reason, doctor?" I had no answer.

The New York Times - Science

This is the predominant reason people are denied home loans today, according to industry experts.

The New York Times

The predominant reason given by the judge in the Heathrow case to justify likely imprisonment was the "absolutely astronomical" costs resulting from their actions.

The Guardian

It would seem then that this physiological adaptation, fostered by our behaviour, is a predominant reason for the poor concentration so many people report.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The expression of MHC antigens presenting intracellularly synthetised peptides on the cell surface is the predominant reason for immunologic detection and rejection of allogeneic cell and tissue transplants.

Methods

A predominant reason of the performance gap resides with the uncertainties of occupancy information, which leads to inappropriate design, unnecessary consumption and operation misconducts of occupants.

Sustainable Cities and Society

A predominant reason of the performance gap is the insufficient consideration of residents' needs, which may lead to subsequent inappropriate user behaviours.

Procedia Engineering

"Decreased sexual pleasure is typically the predominant reason for not using them," said Stephen Ward, a program officer for the Gates Foundation.

The New York Times

The general feeling was that the predominant reason for rejecting work was that, even when publishers thought it excellent, it was deemed to be "too Scottish" and therefore less likely to have an audience.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predominant reason", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation or evidence to support why that reason is the most significant. This strengthens your argument and provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "predominant reason" as the only reason if other contributing factors exist. Acknowledge secondary reasons to provide a more balanced and nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predominant reason" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the principal cause or motive behind a specific situation, action, or outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Unknown

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predominant reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the primary cause or justification behind a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for written English. While versatile, it leans towards formal contexts such as scientific publications, news reports, and business communications. Alternative expressions include "primary cause" and "chief reason", offering subtle variations in emphasis. To ensure effective use, support the identified "predominant reason" with clear evidence and avoid overstating its exclusivity if other contributing factors exist. This approach will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Emphasizes the fundamental cause among others.

chief reason

Highlights the top or leading reason.

main factor

Focuses on the most significant contributing factor.

principal motive

Stresses the key motivation behind an action or decision.

overriding factor

Implies that this reason is more important than any other.

major determinant

Highlights the most influential factor in determining an outcome.

key driver

Suggests the main force propelling an event or trend.

central justification

Emphasizes that it's the core rationalization of something.

foremost consideration

Indicates the primary aspect taken into account.

underlying rationale

Highlights the fundamental logic behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "predominant reason" to introduce the main explanation for an event or situation. For example, "The "predominant reason" for the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to saying "predominant reason"?

Alternatives include "primary cause", "chief reason", or "main factor". Each of these options offers a slightly different nuance while conveying the same basic idea of the most important reason. See also "primary cause", "chief reason".

Is it better to use "predominant reason" or "main reason"?

"Predominant reason" suggests a reason that is more influential or significant than others. "Main reason" is a simpler, more general term. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey. Therefore using "main reason" is usually a more approachable option.

What's the difference between "predominant reason" and "most important reason"?

While similar, "predominant reason" implies a reason that is not only important but also stands out as the most influential or frequently occurring. "Most important reason" simply highlights the reason with the greatest significance.