the first reason for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first reason for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the primary or most important factor explaining something. Example: The first reason for the company's success is their innovative marketing strategies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first reason for this is ideology.

The Economist

Enter the first reason for this project.

Columbia University

The first reason for this is politics.

The New York Times

He's the first reason for success, and he's the first reason for failure".

The New York Times - Sports

That is the first reason for helping it.

The Economist

The first reason for this is that sales growth is slowing.

The Economist

But the first reason for welcoming this DVD has nothing to do with history.

The New York Times - Arts

The first reason for the phenomenon may be due to the lower accumulation of dsRNA in the transgenic plants.

Nature

The first reason for flight was a new conscription law under which every family had to send one of their sons to be an Isis fighter.

Independent

The first reason for the students' success lies in the clarity of both their immediate aim and its links to a broad range of closely associated aims.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are committed to the highest governance standards, and this is the first reason for our decision to vote no to the proposal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of reasons, use "the first reason for" to clearly signal the start of the list and emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the first reason for", "the second reason for", etc. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Instead, use transitional phrases or rephrase the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first reason for" functions as an introductory phrase that highlights the primary explanation or cause behind a particular event, situation, or decision. It sets the stage for a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first reason for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces the primary cause or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread application across various fields, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is correct, you should avoid overuse and consider related alternatives to maintain variety in your writing. Remember to highlight the importance of the initial explanation when using "the first reason for". This ensures the audience grasps the main motivation before delving into other contributing factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary cause for

Replaces "reason" with "cause", emphasizing the origin or source of something.

the main justification for

Substitutes "reason" with "justification", highlighting the rationale or defense for an action or belief.

the initial motive for

Changes "reason" to "motive", focusing on the underlying impetus or desire.

the principal explanation for

Replaces "reason" with "explanation", stressing the clarification or understanding of something.

the foremost rationale for

Substitutes "reason" with "rationale", underlining the logical basis or principle.

the key factor in

Shifts from "reason" to "factor", highlighting a contributing element or influence.

the leading determinant of

Changes from "reason" to "determinant", focusing on the decisive element that influences an outcome.

the underlying basis for

Replaces "reason" with "basis", emphasizing the fundamental support or foundation.

the prime driver of

Substitutes "reason" with "driver", stressing the force or influence that propels something.

the fundamental incentive for

Changes "reason" to "incentive", highlighting the motivation or encouragement for an action.

FAQs

How do I use "the first reason for" in a sentence?

Use "the first reason for" to introduce the most important or primary cause or explanation for something. For example, "The first reason for the company's success was its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to using "the first reason for"?

You can use alternatives such as "the primary cause for", "the main justification for", or "the initial motive for". See more options "here", "here", and "here".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the first reason for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the first reason for", particularly when you are about to list multiple reasons or explanations.

What's the difference between "the first reason for" and "a reason for"?

"The first reason for" implies that it is the most important or primary reason among several, while "a reason for" simply indicates one possible reason without necessarily being the most significant.