WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT COMBINE "REASON" AND "WHY"

Is there any time you are allowed to combine "reason" and "why"?

The reason why ?? The reason is because

Ever wondered why these expressions are considered redundant and wordy?

Interestingly, Middle and Modern Englishes have a curious history of respected writers using “the reason why.” The usage even dated to as far back as 1200s.

But no writer or grammarian has made a case for the acceptance of “the reason is because.”

So, why should we avoid or embrace any of the two expressions in writing and speech?

Avoid these expressions if you are a serious writer or editor because:

1. They are tautological. “reason” and “why” can be separated and still convey the same meaning.

“The reason.” “The why.”

In semantics, the meaning of “reason” is embedded in “why.”

“Reason” (when used as a noun) is a cause or justification for an action.

On the other hand, “why,” is an adverb of reason meaning “on account of something,” “reason or purpose.”

It is thus not professional to carelessly marry “reason” and “why” in the same expression, especially when you make them stand side-by-side.

When the “reason” in “reason why” is a verb

We have pointed out the reason you should avoid the expression “the reason why” as an editor or serious writer.

What we have not paid attention to is the fact that the word “reason” could be used as a verb and a noun.

When we consider it as a noun, we run into the tautological expression, “the reason why,” but there are other ways to use it as a noun without running into this problem of redundancy and wordiness.

Examples:

1. I asked him to wait without telling him the reason. (Just imagine ending this sentence with “why”).

2. The reasons are obvious. (Imagine following “reasons” with “why” in this sentence).

How about using “reason why” when “reason” functions as a verb?

In this case, “reason why” should be preceded by the preposition “to.”

You may still remove the preposition, but make sure “reason” functions as a verb.

This is when it is safe to say:

1. We are trying to reason why she should be here.

2. It’s easy to reason why the man was sacked.

3. I can’t reason why they are all clamouring for war.

See? You can always reason the why, but it turns out to be terrible reasoning when the reason is a noun appearing in a construction that keeps “reason” and “why” in the same love chair…like a couple.

?

…

I am Omidire Joshua Idowu, your percipient writer, brutal headitor, relentless logophile, publisher, and digital marketing executive.

With me at Famecliff Digital PRO is a team of idan content creators who make the magic that makes your brand the cynosure of all eyes.

Let's edit and ghostwrite your books. Let's manage your brand. Send a message today.

#threads?#reason?#reasonwhy?#language?#English?#construction?

?