primary reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary reason" is correct in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the most significant cause for something. For example: "The primary reason for closing the store was a lack of demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's the primary reason".

The Guardian

The primary reason is price.

The New York Times - Tech

The primary reason is unemployment.

The New York Times

Insufficient closet space was her primary reason.

The New York Times

This is not our primary reason.

Independent

My primary reason is one of symbolism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The trade was clearly the primary reason.

The New York Times - Sports

But that's not the primary reason".

The New York Times

The primary reason for this has been portability.

The Guardian

The primary reason was that the manager left.

The Guardian

"And the primary reason was getting Fulton back to work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “primary reason” in your writing when you want to be very clear about which factor is most important.

Common error

Avoid stating a minor contributing element as the "primary reason". Ensure it's the most impactful and direct cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary reason" functions as a noun phrase that serves to identify the most significant cause or justification for a particular event, situation, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the most important cause or justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While alternatives like "main cause" or "chief motive" exist, they may carry slightly different connotations. Remember to reserve "primary reason" for the most significant factor and avoid redundancy by adding unnecessary qualifiers. Using "primary reason" in your writing ensures clarity and emphasizes the core explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most important reason

Directly states the importance of the reason, adding emphasis.

principal cause

A more formal synonym, stressing the prominence of the cause.

main cause

Focuses on the causal aspect, omitting the justification element.

core rationale

Emphasizes the logical justification behind something, slightly more formal.

chief motive

Emphasizes the motivation behind an action, differing from a general cause.

central justification

Highlights the act of providing reasons and explanations.

underlying cause

Suggests a less obvious, fundamental reason behind something.

key factor

Highlights a contributing element rather than the sole reason.

driving force

Implies a powerful influence, often used for actions or movements.

major impetus

Focuses on what initiated the action, rather than the comprehensive reason.

FAQs

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

Use "primary reason" to introduce the most important cause or justification for something. For example: "The "primary reason" for the company's success was its innovative product design."

What are some alternatives to "primary reason"?

Alternatives include "main cause", "chief motive", or "key factor", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the main primary reason"?

Yes, using both "main" and "primary" is typically redundant. "Primary reason" already implies the most important reason, so "main" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between "primary reason" and "secondary reason"?

"Primary reason" refers to the most important or fundamental cause, while "secondary reason" refers to a less important, contributing cause. Identifying both can provide a more complete explanation.