salient reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"salient reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when referring to a primary or notable cause or justification for something, and is often followed by the word "for". For example, "The most salient reason for the rise in housing prices is the lack of available housing inventory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is because intentional harms can be condemned for another salient reason: the agent's malicious intent.

Nature

Mitt Romney's supporters cite that same mess as the salient reason he's running.

The New York Times

Another salient reason why some economists believe the projections are low is that they exclude the city's cash economy.

The New York Times

But in a book compiled for the exhibition, Michael D. Gordin, a history professor at Princeton, suggests that the salient reason was political.

The New York Times - Science

The most salient reason, though, was that one of his daughters — young Andre's sister — had been raped when he wasn't around.

The New York Times - Books

The salient reason for this retreat is the mismatch between what the court is equipped to do and what original cases require.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

That together they have become one of the best backcourt combinations in Division III women's basketball and are the salient reasons why New York University is one of the favorites to win the national title.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a small mound of dynamic soft tissue in the lateral aspect of the internal nasal valve, situated inferior and anterior to the head of the inferior turbinate that can be missed on routine examination for many salient reasons.

Stanford University

This conviction led me to argue last year that one of the most salient reasons to vote "no" on the ballot initiative to lift the charter cap was the near-certainty of massive school closures.

Harvard University

These, then, are the salient reasons for oblivobesity.

HuffPost

I can think of four salient reasons for oblivobesity, all surmountable, and none cause for shame.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "salient reason" with a "for" + [the action/event]". For example: "The salient reason for the decline in sales is..."

Common error

Don't assume that a "salient reason" is always the most important. Salience refers to how noticeable or prominent something is. A reason can be "salient" because it's readily apparent, but a less obvious reason might be more influential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "salient reason" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "salient" modifies the noun "reason". It identifies a particular reason that is most noticeable or important in a given context. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is considered correct in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "salient reason" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, generally used to highlight a prominent or key reason. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often followed by "for" to specify what it's a reason for. While it appears across various sources like news, science, and academia, its frequency is considered uncommon. Remember that "salient" indicates prominence or noticeability, not necessarily importance. Alternatives include "primary cause" or "key factor", depending on the context. To make your writing stronger, consider following it with a direct explanation, such as, "The "salient reason" for the project's success was the team's dedication".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the main reason something happened.

main justification

Highlights the principal reason behind a decision or action, emphasizing its defense.

chief motive

Emphasizes the driving force or intention behind an action.

key factor

Highlights an essential element contributing to a particular outcome.

principal ground

Focuses on the foundational reason or basis for something.

central argument

Highlights the core reason presented in a debate or discussion.

foremost consideration

Emphasizes that the reason is the most important thing to think about.

dominant rationale

Emphasizes that the reason is the prevailing logic behind something.

overriding factor

Highlights a factor that is more important than any other factors.

significant determinant

Highlights that the reason is a crucial factor influencing an outcome.

FAQs

How to use "salient reason" in a sentence?

Use "salient reason" to introduce the most noticeable or important reason for something. For example, "The most "compelling reason" for the change was the overwhelming customer feedback."

What can I say instead of "salient reason"?

You can use alternatives like "primary cause", "main justification", or "key factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "salient reason" or "main reason"?

"Salient reason" emphasizes the prominence or noticeability of the reason, while "main reason" simply indicates the principal reason. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "salient reason" and "important reason"?

"Salient reason" suggests a reason that stands out or is easily noticeable, while "important reason" emphasizes the significance or consequence of the reason. They aren't always interchangeable.