The reason back then vs The reason back then was

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The reason back then" can be used as a fragment in a sentence where the reason is implied or will be stated later. On the other hand, "the reason back then was" is a complete sentence where the reason is explicitly stated. Depending on the context, one might be more suitable than the other.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 607 views

This phrase is correct and can be used as a fragment in a sentence where the reason is implied or will be stated later.

"The reason back then"

This phrase can be used when referring to a past situation or event and hinting at the reason behind it without explicitly stating it.

Examples:

The reason back then was unclear.
I couldn't understand the reason back then.
She left without explaining the reason back then.
The reason back then remains a mystery.
We may never know the reason back then.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 27, 2015 ... The reason? Back then, I was running the capital markets team for the Financial Times, and was alarmed by the bubble brewing in complex ...
Proportionally more rigid shorter barrels (some 3.8-inch on the G30, 3.42-inch on the others) were theorized to be the reason. Back then, I managed to win the ...
Jun 2, 2014 ... Proportionally more rigid shorter barrels (some 3.8-inch on the G30, 3.42-inch on the others) were theorized to be the reason. Back then, I ...
Sep 9, 2015 ... The reason? Back then, the Japanese giant was basking in the glow of a series of wildly successful product launches. Never mind the fact that ...

Alternatives:

the reason at that time
the reason in the past
the reason during that period
the reason in those days
the reason in that era

This phrase is correct as a complete sentence where the reason is explicitly stated.

"The reason back then was"

This phrase is used when you want to explicitly state the reason behind a past situation or event that occurred.

Examples:

The reason back then was lack of communication.
The reason back then was a misunderstanding.
The reason back then was unclear.
The reason back then was never revealed.
The reason back then was different from what we thought.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 7, 2015 ... Of course, the reason back then was to fight the unwinnable drug wars. The DEA needed to know about your call to your aunt who lives in Italy ...
Sep 15, 2015 ... Jennings said this was the first time he had been given such an order since he was in college, and that the reason back then was that his team ...
The reason back then was just as clear as it is today - four driven wheels grip far better than two, and the more powerful the engine, the greater the impact of this ...
Sep 16, 2009 ... The reason back then was just as clear as it is today – four driven wheels grip far better than two, and the more powerful the engine, the greater ...

Alternatives:

the reason at that time was
the reason in the past was
the reason during that period was
the reason in those days was
the reason in that era was

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The reason back then vs The reason back then was