grammar · academic
the reason why + S + V
A phrase used to introduce the cause of something; followed by a clause (that/why + clause).
Examples
“The reason why many students move to the city is that universities and jobs are concentrated there.”
“One reason why people eat out more is the lack of time to cook.”
“The reason why the project failed was inadequate planning.”
Band 8 sentence
“The reason why income inequality has widened over the last decade is complex, but a major factor is the stagnation of wages for lower-skilled workers.”
Collocations
- the main reason why
- one reason why
- the likely reason why
Common mistakes
The reason is because she failed the exam.→The reason is that she failed the exam.
I wonder the reason why he left early.→I wonder why he left early.
Say it for a higher band
5because→6the reason is that→7+the reason why + S + V
Synonyms
the reason that
why
Easily confused
the reason that
“The reason that many people moved was the lack of jobs in rural areas.”
why
“I don't know why she refused the offer.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Relative clauses
Learn it with its set