The first reason is vs The reason why

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The first reason is' is used when listing multiple reasons, with 'the first' indicating the initial reason in a series. 'The reason why' is used to introduce an explanation or justification for something.

Last updated: February 23, 2025 • 4058 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when presenting a list of reasons, with 'the first' indicating the initial reason in a series.

"The first reason is"

This phrase is used when introducing a series of reasons, with 'the first' specifying the initial reason being discussed.

Examples:

The first reason is that it saves time.
The first reason is the cost-effectiveness of the solution.
The first reason is the convenience it offers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 13, 2013 ... I have thought only the first reason is correct. But I can find a first reason on the net through google search, which makes me confused.
`The reason is,' said the Gryphon,. 「理由はだねえ、 - Lewis Carroll『不思議の国のアリス』. The first reason is. 一つ目の理由は - Weblio Email例文集. 例文の一覧を ...
In particular, I like bananas, pineapple, and berries. My friend hates skiing for several reasons. The first reason is that she dislikes being cold. Another reason is ...
The first reason is that millions of other people could fit that description, so the evidence is equally supportive of concluding someone else did it. You'd also have ...

Alternatives:

The second reason is
The third reason is
One reason is
Another reason is
A key reason is

This phrase is correct and commonly used to introduce an explanation or justification for something.

"The reason why"

This phrase is used to introduce an explanation or justification for a statement or action.

Examples:

The reason why I'm late is because of traffic.
Can you explain the reason why you made that decision?
I understand the reason why you're upset.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 23, 2024

Aug 6, 2021 ... "The reason why" is no different than "the reason that" ("that" is also a conjunction here), and no one considers the latter to be redundant.
Mar 17, 2024 ... “The reason why you want to be better is the reason why you aren't.” — Alan Watts.
Mar 2, 2021 ... The reason why Find Tool or Ctrl-F do not work ... Does anybody know why either Find Tool or Ctrl-F command would not work on my Alteryx Designed ...

Alternatives:

The reason for
The explanation for
The cause of
The rationale behind
The purpose of

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The first reason is vs The reason why