principal explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the main or primary reason for something. Example: "The principal explanation for the project's failure was a lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I'm skeptical that they're the principal explanation of what happened.

The New York Times - Food

But if they happen, I don't think the sole or even principal explanation will be the lucky timing of Gingrich's velocity.

The New York Times

Scolari sought to tighten up in this area - the principal explanation for the exclusion of Chelsea midfielder Ramires.

BBC

It was suggested that the surface reaction mechanism is the principal explanation for higher depletion of smaller particles [33], [34].

Plosone

The principal explanation for the difference probably lies in the definition of persistent back pain between the 2 studies: no pain in our study (a stricter definition, as patients undoubtedly define it), and no decrease in pain in the previous study.

Plosone

This equilibrium hypothesis was considered the principal explanation for the maintenance of a constant TE copy number.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Since the beginning of the financial crisis, there have been two principal explanations for why so many banks made such disastrous decisions.

The New Yorker

In "The Game of Our Lives," a classic account of the 1980-81 seasof of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team, Peter Gzowski argues that one of the principal explanations for the particular genius of Wayne Gretzky was that he was hockey's greatest chunker.

The New Yorker

There are two principal explanations.

Critical Care

Of those who did make groups, two principal explanations for the grouping were given.

American Journal of Primatology

Therefore any effects of levodopa medication effect were unlikely to be the principal explanations of the group effects we observed.

Human Brain Mapping

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal explanation" in formal writing when you want to emphasize that something is the most important reason or cause. It adds a level of authority and clarity to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "principle explanation" when you mean "principal explanation". "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition, while "principal" refers to the most important or main thing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal explanation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary reason or cause for a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. As shown by Ludwig's examples, this expression can be used in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal explanation" is used to denote the main or primary reason for something. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically correct and primarily found in scientific and news contexts. While it conveys authority and clarity, consider using alternatives like "main reason" or "primary cause" to adjust the level of formality. Be mindful of the distinction between "principal" and "principle" to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main reason

Replaces "principal" with "main", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

primary cause

Substitutes "explanation" with "cause", focusing on the origin or source of something.

key factor

Emphasizes the importance of a particular element as the main driver.

chief reason

Uses "chief" instead of "principal", indicating the most important reason.

leading cause

Highlights the cause that is most significant or prevalent.

central reason

Focuses on the core reason among multiple factors.

major contributing factor

Highlights a significant element that contributes to an outcome.

foremost explanation

Emphasizes that the explanation is the most important or prominent one.

underlying reason

Focuses on the fundamental or basic reason behind something.

basic explanation

Replaces "principal" to focus on the elementary explanation.

FAQs

What does "principal explanation" mean?

The phrase "principal explanation" refers to the main or most important reason or cause for something.

How can I use "principal explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "principal explanation" to introduce the primary reason for an event or situation, such as: "The "main reason" for the project's failure was a lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "principal explanation"?

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

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "principal explanation"?

The phrase "principal explanation" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as academic papers, reports, or presentations, where you want to emphasize the primary reason for something.