the underlying reason is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the underlying reason is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the fundamental cause or explanation for a situation or phenomenon. Example: "The underlying reason is the lack of funding, which has hindered the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Often, the underlying reason is not known.

The New York Times - Health

Yes, the air today is cleaner than it was 20 years ago, but the underlying reason is federal regulations.

The New York Times

The underlying reason is Europe's failure to agree on radical changes to its common agricultural policy (CAP).

The Economist

The underlying reason is about different levels of literacy, some of them not being able to read or write enough to do the theory test".

The Guardian

Given that growth has stalled, why are Brazilians so happy?The underlying reason is that even though the country as a whole is struggling, most families' incomes are still rising fast.

The Economist

Even Democrats and those dedicated to progress know that individual rights weigh heavily.Indeed, perhaps the underlying reason is that America is suspicious of notions of perfectibility especially from the state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

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

Critics such as Human Rights Watch said the underlying reason was to clear the way for agricultural investors, and that forced evictions overseen by soldiers involved rape and murder.

The Guardian

In November 2012 the company was forced to pay a £1.7m penalty for the same thing, although the company said this time the underlying reason was different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the underlying reason is" when you want to explain the fundamental cause of a situation or phenomenon. It's particularly useful when the reason might not be immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "the underlying reason is" for very obvious or simple explanations. Opt for more direct phrasing when the cause is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underlying reason is" functions as a causal connector, introducing an explanation or cause for a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in explaining diverse phenomena, from economic trends to scientific findings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underlying reason is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves as a causal connector, introducing explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is to clarify causes, often suggesting deeper or less obvious factors. It is commonly found in scientific and news contexts and its register ranges from neutral to formal. Related phrases include "the root cause is" and "the fundamental reason is". When using the phrase, avoid overuse in simple explanations and ensure clarity. Practical usage tips include using it to explain non-obvious causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the root cause is

Focuses on the fundamental cause, implying a deeper level of analysis.

the fundamental reason is

Highlights the basic and essential cause.

the primary cause is

Emphasizes the main or most significant cause.

the main reason is

Identifies the principal factor contributing to a situation.

the real reason is

Suggests a reason that might be hidden or not immediately obvious.

the true cause is

Similar to "the real reason is", emphasizing authenticity.

the explanation is

Offers a clarification or justification for something.

the basis for this is

Indicates the foundation or justification for a claim or action.

what it boils down to is

Suggests a simplified explanation after a more complex analysis.

the driving force behind this is

Highlights the impetus or force that initiates something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the underlying reason is" to introduce an explanation for a situation, for example, "The company's failure was due to poor management; "the underlying reason is" a lack of strategic planning".

What phrases are similar to "the underlying reason is"?

Alternatives include "the root cause is", "the "fundamental reason is"", or "the primary cause is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "the underlying reason is" when explaining a cause?

No, using "the underlying reason is" is not always necessary. Sometimes a more direct phrase like "the reason is" or "because" may be more appropriate, especially if the cause is straightforward.

What is the difference between "the underlying reason is" and "the reason is"?

"The underlying reason is" suggests a deeper, perhaps less obvious cause, whereas "the "reason is"" is a more general statement of cause.