real reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real reason" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "I want to understand the real reason why she didn't want to go to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, no real reason.

The New York Times

It's the real reason".

The New York Times - Travel

"There's no real reason".

The New York Times

But the real reason?

The New York Times

That real reason?

The Washington Post

But Israel has real reason for concern.

The New York Times

The real reason may prove more prosaic.

The Guardian

I never knew real reason for sure.

The New Yorker

The real reason isn't so complicated.

The New York Times

The real reason for his death?

The New York Times

But that is not the real reason.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real reason" to clarify or challenge previously stated reasons, ensuring the reader understands the distinction between surface-level explanations and deeper, more accurate causes.

Common error

Avoid using "real reason" unnecessarily. Ensure it adds value by either revealing a hidden motive or providing a more accurate explanation than what's initially presented. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the genuine or underlying cause, motive, or justification for an action, event, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real reason" serves to pinpoint the genuine cause or motive, often contrasting with superficial explanations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is typically to clarify or emphasize the true explanation, as seen across various contexts like news, academic papers, and everyday conversation. Alternatives like "actual cause" or "true motive" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "real reason", ensure it provides valuable insight by revealing hidden factors or challenging existing assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual cause

Focuses specifically on the underlying cause behind a situation, emphasizing factual accuracy.

true motive

Highlights the underlying motivation, often implying hidden or less obvious factors.

underlying factor

Emphasizes a contributing element that may not be immediately apparent.

core explanation

Points to the most fundamental or essential explanation.

primary driver

Identifies the main force or influence behind an action or event.

genuine motivation

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the reason.

chief justification

Highlights the main reason used to defend or support an action or belief.

principal determinant

Identifies the most important factor influencing an outcome.

operative consideration

Focuses on the most relevant aspect to consider when making a decision or understanding a situation.

fundamental rationale

Emphasizes the basic or foundational logic behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "real reason" to introduce a more accurate or underlying explanation for something. For example, "The stated reason was budget cuts, but the "real reason" was a personality clash."

What are some alternatives to using "real reason"?

Alternatives include phrases like "actual cause", "true motive", or "underlying factor", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "real" before "reason"?

No, it is not always necessary. Using "real" emphasizes that the reason being presented is the genuine or most important one, distinguishing it from other potential or superficial reasons. If the context already makes this clear, "reason" alone may suffice.

What's the difference between "reason" and "real reason"?

While "reason" refers to a justification or cause in general, "real reason" implies that there may be other stated or perceived reasons, but the "real reason" is the most accurate or significant one. It's often used to highlight a hidden or less obvious explanation.