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The reason why vs a reason why

Both 'the reason why' and 'a reason why' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The reason why' is used when referring to a specific reason, while 'a reason why' is used when talking about any reason in general.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 470 views

The reason why

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'the reason why' when referring to a specific reason for something.

Examples:

  • Can you tell me the reason why you are late?
  • I understand the reason why you made that decision.
  • Nov 7, 2019 ... Pre-order the new album 'SHE' out 15th October: https://jpcooper.lnk.to/SHEalbumID Listen to 'The Reason Why' ...
  • 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.
  • May 8, 2013 ... The Reason Why This Is Correct. There's a long-running debate over whether the construction reason why is acceptable. Critics generally argue ...
  • The Reason Why the Colored American Is Not in the World's Columbian Exposition. By Ida B. Wells, 1862-1931. With contributions by Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) ...
  • Dec 1, 2020 ... The Reason Why · Why are the parents of these children never around? I asked my writing class during the discussion of a story in which a set of ...
  • Dec 20, 2010 ... Hi, I have learned that you can either say "the reason that" or "the reason why" when you want to explain the reason. For example The reason ...
  • Nov 14, 2024 ... 425 likes, 21 comments - matt_bove on November 14, 2024: "Wait until you hear the reason why Buffalo Bills WR Mack Hollins won't take the ...
  • Aug 28, 2018 ... Would you please tell me the reason why 10kohm resisnsatance is necessary between "the Vout " and "- terminal" when op-amp are used for voltage ...
  • I'm wondering the reason why bubble get superslow when I use 'icon' element · Bugs · hobum91 October 29, 2024, 9:45am 1. recently, EVERYTIME I trying to use ...
  • The Reason Why: The Story of the Fatal Charge of the Light Brigade [Woodham-Smith, Cecil] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.

Alternatives:

  • the reason for
  • the cause of

a reason why

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'a reason why' when talking about any reason in general, without specifying a particular reason.

Examples:

  • There could be a reason why she didn't show up.
  • I need to find a reason why this happened.

Alternatives:

  • a reason for
  • one reason why

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