straightforward reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"straightforward reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to explain why something is the case in a simple and uncomplicated way. For example, "The most straightforward reason she offered for not attending the meeting was that she had a prior engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

And their private lives have been dragged into the public domain for one straightforward reason: revenge.

Independent

The most straightforward reason for these overseas investments is to diversify the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one else appears to have agreed – for a very straightforward reason.

The Guardian

But there's another, more straightforward, reason to support her proposed legislation.

The New York Times

The straightforward reason was the willingness to let the youngsters take their turn.

The Guardian

After all, with one partner out of work there's a straightforward reason to remain in a relationship: security.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Labour gleefully called Mr Cameron "out of touch .There are some straightforward reasons for Mr Cameron's caution.

The Economist

12.50pm "Flintoff's improvement as a bowler is down to three fairly straightforward reasons," says Gary Naylor.

The Guardian - Sport

Few jobs in the modeling business carry anything like the weight that a booking for Calvin Klein does, and for straightforward reasons.

The New York Times

I just cannot understand how this could have happened as I use my mobile so rarely and for such straightforward reasons.

The Guardian - Money

Analysts point out that there are straightforward reasons why Poland has been shut out of high-level appointments, not least the 15 months of joint rule in 2006 and 2007 by Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, twin brothers who adopted a belligerent stance toward Western Europe, particularly Germany, and who were suspicious of Russia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "straightforward reason", ensure the context clearly supports the simplicity and directness of the explanation. Avoid using it when the actual reason is complex or multi-layered.

Common error

Avoid using "straightforward reason" as a blanket term for explanations that require nuance or deeper analysis. This can oversimplify complex situations and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straightforward reason" functions as a noun phrase, where 'straightforward' modifies 'reason'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "straightforward reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a clear and uncomplicated explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While it's appropriate for many situations, avoid oversimplifying complex scenarios. Alternatives such as "explicit reason", "clear reason", and "simple reason" can offer nuanced substitutes. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Science, maintaining a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicit reason

Replaces 'straightforward' with 'explicit', emphasizing clarity and directness in the explanation.

clear reason

Substitutes 'straightforward' with 'clear', focusing on the lack of ambiguity in the rationale.

simple reason

Uses 'simple' instead of 'straightforward', highlighting the uncomplicated nature of the explanation.

obvious reason

Replaces 'straightforward' with 'obvious', indicating that the reason is easily apparent or evident.

plain reason

Uses 'plain' to replace 'straightforward', which communicates a sense of simplicity and directness.

uncomplicated reason

Substitutes 'straightforward' with 'uncomplicated', underscoring the lack of complexity in the rationale.

apparent reason

Replaces 'straightforward' with 'apparent', suggesting the reason is easily visible or understood.

evident reason

Substitutes 'straightforward' with 'evident', emphasizing the clear and obvious nature of the explanation.

basic reason

Uses 'basic' instead of 'straightforward', implying that the rationale is fundamental and easily understood.

unmistakable reason

Replaces 'straightforward' with 'unmistakable', suggesting a reason that cannot be misunderstood.

FAQs

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

You can use "straightforward reason" to introduce a simple explanation. For example: "The "straightforward reason" for the delay was a lack of funding."

What is a good alternative to "straightforward reason"?

Alternatives include "explicit reason", "clear reason", or "simple reason", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "straightforward reason" in formal writing?

Yes, "straightforward reason" is suitable for formal writing when the explanation is genuinely simple and direct. However, ensure it doesn't oversimplify a complex issue.

What's the difference between "straightforward reason" and "underlying cause"?

"Straightforward reason" refers to an easily understood explanation, while "underlying cause" suggests a more fundamental, potentially hidden, reason. The "straightforward reason" might be a symptom of the "underlying cause".