the reason why this happened was vs the reason why this happened is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The reason why this happened was" is used when referring to a past event or situation, while "the reason why this happened is" is used when talking about a current or ongoing situation.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 934 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past event or situation.

"the reason why this happened was"

This phrase is used to explain the cause of something that has already occurred.

Examples:

The reason why this happened was because of a lack of communication.
The reason why he left was that he found a better job.

Show examples from the web [+]

And it's not the reason why this happened.
One of the big reasons this happened was because of diarrhea.
I guess the reason this happened is because we've been riding you kind of hard lately.
I guess the reason this happened is because we've been riding you kind of hard lately.
Never forget, you are the reason this happened.
I was a little upset, I think that the reason why all that happened is just... Tina might be threatened or something.
The only reason this happened is because he loves me.
You're not the only reason this happened.
The reason that happened is simple.
But maybe the reason it happened is because you do have some anger.
Jones says the only reason that happened was the damage to the machine.
Because the only reason this happened is because Teacher fell.
The only problem being that you would be the reason it happened in the first place.
And the reason is what happened in South Africa: Nelson Mandela.
And there are a lot of reasons why it happened, but taking this fellowship might've been the nail in the coffin.
The only reason that that happened was because I saw you kiss Charlie.
You're the reason this happened in the first place and you want me to thank you?
That's the reason this whole thing happened.
That is the reason for what has happened to your question.
You're the reason it happened!

Alternatives:

The reason this happened was
The reason for this happening was

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about a current or ongoing situation.

"the reason why this happened is"

This phrase is used to explain the cause of something that is currently happening or has ongoing effects.

Examples:

The reason why this happened is because of a lack of resources.
The reason why he is upset is that he was not included in the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

And it's not the reason why this happened.
I guess the reason this happened is because we've been riding you kind of hard lately.
I guess the reason this happened is because we've been riding you kind of hard lately.
I was a little upset, I think that the reason why all that happened is just... Tina might be threatened or something.
The only reason this happened is because he loves me.
The reason that happened is simple.
But maybe the reason it happened is because you do have some anger.
Because the only reason this happened is because Teacher fell.
Never forget, you are the reason this happened.
The reason it happened is because the one truck that stands a fighting chance is missing a part - a part that doesn't grow on a tree.
You're not the only reason this happened.
The reason this has happened is because too many people have too much,
One of the big reasons this happened was because of diarrhea.
What happened tonight was so scary, and the reason that it happened is that we were not being honest with each other.
The only problem being that you would be the reason it happened in the first place.
And the reason is what happened in South Africa: Nelson Mandela.
And there are a lot of reasons why it happened, but taking this fellowship might've been the nail in the coffin.
You're the reason this happened in the first place and you want me to thank you?
That's the reason this whole thing happened.
That is the reason for what has happened to your question.

Alternatives:

The reason this happened is
The reason for this happening is

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the reason why this happened was vs the reason why this happened is