single reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that there is only one specific cause or explanation for something. Example: "There is a single reason why we decided to change our strategy: to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is no single reason.

Independent

There's no single reason.

The New York Times - Magazine

Metals rarely fail for a single reason.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Matt Walker: We don't sleep for one single reason.

University of California, Berkeley

There is no single reason for the toll.

The Guardian

There is no single reason for the shortages.

The New York Times

"There was no single reason our marriage failed," he wrote.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, Pond is hopeful — and for a single reason.

The New York Times

Nor does it vanish for a single reason.

The New York Times

No single reason for the hard fouls is clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Says it couldn't work, but not a single reason.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "single reason", ensure that the context supports the assertion that there is indeed only one primary factor, as oversimplification can be misleading.

Common error

Avoid attributing events to a "single reason" when multiple factors contribute. Complex problems often stem from a combination of causes, and attributing them to just one can lead to incomplete understanding and ineffective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence or clause, identifying a specific cause or explanation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single reason" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize that there is only one specific cause or explanation for something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid. It appears most commonly in News & Media, academic writing, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context truly supports the assertion of a sole cause to avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Alternatives like "sole explanation" or "primary cause" may be more appropriate when multiple factors are involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole explanation

Emphasizes that there is only one explanation for something.

primary cause

Highlights the main or most important cause.

only cause

States that there are no other contributing factors.

one factor

Focuses on a single contributing element.

main determinant

Indicates the key factor that influences an outcome.

key reason

Highlights the most important reason.

underlying motive

Emphasizes a hidden or fundamental reason.

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind an issue.

chief reason

Highlights the most important or dominant reason.

principal motive

Indicates the main driving force or reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "single reason" to emphasize that there is only one cause or explanation for something. For example: "The "single reason" for the company's success was its innovative product."

What are some alternatives to "single reason"?

Alternatives include "sole explanation", "primary cause", or "only cause". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to attribute something to a "single reason"?

No, often events have multiple contributing factors. Using "single reason" is appropriate when one factor is overwhelmingly dominant, but it's important to consider whether other influences are also at play.

What's the difference between "single reason" and "main reason"?

"Main reason" implies that other reasons exist but this one is most important. "Single reason" asserts that there is only one reason and no others. The choice depends on whether you believe other factors are involved.