reason is straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason is straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that the explanation or rationale behind something is clear and easy to understand. Example: "The reason is straightforward: we need to reduce costs to improve our overall profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The reason is straightforward: It has not needed to.

The New York Times

But the overriding reason is straightforward: Farmers gotta survive.

The Washington Post

The reason is straightforward: financial innovation is difficult.

The Guardian - Business

The reason is straightforward in Mr. Putin's logic.

The New York Times

The reason is straightforward: Warmer temperatures mean more evaporation from soil and more droughts.

The Washington Post

The reason is straightforward: while his music is brilliantly detailed, his biographical facts remain painfully sketchy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

His reason was straightforward: he thought he would be killed.

The New York Times

The reason was straightforward.

BBC

The reasons are straightforward.

The New Yorker

On one level, the reasons are straightforward.

The Guardian - Music

This advice puzzles many Westerners, especially now that the law permits 100% foreign ownership, but the reasons are straightforward.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the reason you describe as "straightforward" truly is easily understood by your intended audience. Consider their background knowledge and level of expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "reason is straightforward" as a filler. If the reason is genuinely obvious, stating it may sound condescending or redundant. Only use the phrase when it adds value by explicitly highlighting the clarity of the explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason is straightforward" serves as an explanatory device, introducing a rationale or justification that is presented as clear and easy to understand. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions to signal that the following explanation will be uncomplicated and direct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reason is straightforward" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce a clear and easily understood explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an explanatory device, signaling that the following information will be uncomplicated. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its adaptability across various registers. When employing this phrase, ensure the reason presented genuinely reflects its intended straightforwardness to prevent redundancy or condescension. Consider more precise alternatives, such as "the rationale is clear", for highly formal writing to maintain precision and enhance tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation is simple

Replaces 'reason' with 'explanation' and 'straightforward' with 'simple', focusing on the ease of understanding the explanation.

the rationale is clear

Substitutes 'reason' with 'rationale' and 'straightforward' with 'clear', emphasizing the lucidity of the underlying logic.

the justification is obvious

Replaces 'reason' with 'justification' and 'straightforward' with 'obvious', highlighting the undeniable nature of the justification.

the cause is evident

Changes 'reason' to 'cause' and 'straightforward' to 'evident', underscoring the clear visibility of the cause.

the logic is uncomplicated

Focuses on the simplicity of the logic rather than the reason, using 'uncomplicated' instead of 'straightforward'.

it's plainly obvious why

Rephrases the entire statement to emphasize the obviousness of 'why' something is the case.

the answer is self-evident

Shifts the focus to the 'answer' being immediately clear without needing further explanation.

there's a simple explanation

Changes the structure to introduce the existence of a simple explanation.

the principle is uncomplicated

Focuses on the straightforward aspect of a foundational principle.

the basis is easily understood

Highlights that the basis for something is readily comprehensible.

FAQs

How can I use "reason is straightforward" in a sentence?

You can use "reason is straightforward" to introduce an easily understood explanation. For example: "The reason is straightforward: we need to reduce costs to improve profitability".

What can I say instead of "reason is straightforward"?

You can use alternatives like "the explanation is simple", "the rationale is clear", or "the justification is obvious" depending on the context.

Is it too informal to use "reason is straightforward" in a formal paper?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "the rationale is clear" or "the underlying principle is uncomplicated" to enhance the tone and precision.

What's the difference between "reason is straightforward" and "reason is simple"?

While similar, "reason is straightforward" implies directness and lack of complication in understanding, whereas "reason is simple" emphasizes a lack of complexity in the reason itself. They are often interchangeable, but "reason is straightforward" focuses more on the ease of comprehension.