the underlying reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"the underlying reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a deeper or hidden reason for something that has been mentioned earlier in the sentence or paragraph. Example: "The company has seen a significant decrease in profits over the past year. Upon further investigation, it became clear that the underlying reason for this decline was the implementation of new, inefficient production methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Whatever the underlying reason, his cultivated "Mayor Mike" persona seems to be sticking.

The New York Times

When HOBE was < 30°, the investigator asked the staff nurse the underlying reason.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Missing data mechanism(s)—The underlying reason(s) why data are missing.

British Medical Journal

Concentrate on how to deal with the underlying reason rather than on belittling your whole self.

WikiHow

Often, the underlying reason is not known.

The New York Times - Health

The underlying reason was the implosion of liberal America.

The Economist

Mr. Dahibawkar said he thought the underlying reason was worry.

The New York Times

But the underlying reason was fear of what people would say.

The New York Times

Even the most learned of rabbinical scholars are uncertain about the underlying reason for the laws.

The New York Times

British business interests, particularly oil interests, are undoubtedly the underlying reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet no matter how virtuous the underlying reason, quirks of personality almost always figure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the underlying reason", ensure you've clearly established the context or problem you're explaining. This sets the stage for a more impactful revelation of the deeper cause.

Common error

Avoid immediately jumping to "the underlying reason" without first acknowledging and dismissing the more apparent, superficial explanations. This can make your analysis seem incomplete or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underlying reason" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the fundamental or root cause of a situation or phenomenon. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to reveal deeper explanations beyond surface-level observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underlying reason" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce the fundamental cause of a situation or phenomenon, often beyond what is immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase sees common usage in both news and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that they've adequately addressed any surface-level explanations before delving into the deeper cause to provide a more comprehensive and insightful analysis. Related phrases such as "the root cause" or "the primary motive" can serve as effective alternatives, depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the root cause

Focuses more directly on causality, emphasizing the origin of a problem.

the fundamental basis

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, highlighting the essential principles or elements.

the primary motive

Highlights the intention or drive behind an action or decision.

the real explanation

Stresses the truth or actuality of the reason, suggesting a contrast to perceived reasons.

the core rationale

Highlights the logical or intellectual justification at the heart of something.

the key driver

Emphasizes the force or factor that propels or influences an outcome.

the mainspring

Highlights what initiates a series of actions or events.

the central tenet

Refers to a core belief or principle, particularly in a system of thought.

the wellspring

Suggests an abundant source or origin, often of emotions or actions.

the rationale behind

Focuses on the reasoning or justification that explains something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the underlying reason" to introduce the fundamental cause of a situation, often after discussing surface-level observations. For example, "While sales appeared to drop due to seasonal changes, the underlying reason was a shift in consumer preferences."

What are some alternatives to "the underlying reason"?

You can use alternatives like "the root cause", "the fundamental basis", or "the primary motive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the reason is" or "the underlying reason is"?

"The reason is" is a general statement of cause, while "the underlying reason is" implies a deeper, less obvious cause. Use "the underlying reason" when you want to emphasize that the cause is not immediately apparent.

What's the difference between "the underlying reason" and "the implicit reason"?

"The underlying reason" refers to a fundamental cause that may not be immediately visible, whereas "the implicit reason" is a reason that is suggested or implied but not directly expressed.