the core reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or primary cause of a situation or issue. Example: "The core reason for the project's failure was a lack of adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chinese expansion was the core reason for the deciduous drive.

The Economist

But the core reason is no doubt emotional and very human.

The New York Times

The core reason for students disengaging is that they are frustrated.

MIT Technology Review

The core reason seemed to be that Petty was different, not enough of his dad's idea of an American boy.

The New Yorker

When an actor has an idea, it's very important to get to the core reason behind it.

The New Yorker

"We need to address what is the core reason why people with a disability suffer disproportionate abuse, neglect and violence.

The Guardian

"That is really the core reason that people are upgrading their skills and making sure they are globally competitive".

The New York Times

When we get to the core reason of why we are doing something, we often decide to change our approach.

The New York Times

They don't do it because the place is so corrupt but also, and this is the core reason, because of this "anti-imperialist" stand they take.

The Guardian

I feel that way too, but what do you think is the core reason why it is so destabilizing or frightening to people?

The New Yorker

The core reason libraries exist is to build collections, to make those collections accessible, to assist patrons in using our collections, and to preserve our collections forever.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the core reason", ensure it is followed by a clear and specific explanation to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "the core reason was obvious", specify the reason.

Common error

Avoid using "the core reason" when other contributing factors exist. Acknowledge complexity where appropriate by using phrases like "a significant factor" or "one of the main reasons" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It pinpoints the primary explanation for a situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the core reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to underscore the primary cause or justification behind a situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, noting its presence in diverse contexts. The phrase is most common in news and media, reflecting its value in explaining events and decisions. While alternatives like "the main reason" or "the primary cause" exist, "the core reason" often conveys a sense of deeper or more fundamental explanation. When using the phrase, it's best to provide a clear and specific explanation to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary reason

Emphasizes the element of being first in importance or rank.

the main reason

Highlights the most important reason among others.

the principal cause

Focuses on the initial or primary cause.

the underlying cause

Suggests a less obvious but fundamental reason.

the key factor

Identifies a crucial element contributing to an outcome.

the fundamental basis

Indicates the essential foundation or reason.

the central motive

Highlights the driving force or intention.

the essential element

Focuses on the indispensable component.

the root cause

Highlights the origin of the problem or situation.

the ultimate explanation

Suggests the final or most complete reason.

FAQs

How can I use "the core reason" in a sentence?

You can use "the core reason" to introduce the most important cause or explanation for a particular situation. For example: "The core reason for the company's success was its innovative product design".

What are some alternatives to "the core reason"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary reason", "the main reason", or "the principal cause" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the core reason is because"?

While commonly used, some consider the phrase "the core reason is because" to be redundant. It's often better to simply say "the core reason is" or "the reason is because" to avoid repetition.

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

Both "the core reason" and "the main reason" indicate a significant cause, but "the core reason" may imply a more fundamental or essential factor, while "the main reason" simply points to the most important among several reasons.