exact reason why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact reason why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the reason why an event happened or why something is the way it is. For example, "I still don't know the exact reason why she left so suddenly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"That game is the exact reason why so many people in this country don't like soccer".

The New York Times - Sports

"Winning, the physical part, the mayhem, finding the line between insanity and sanity, that's the exact reason why you play".

The New Yorker

Then I realised almost immediately that this is the exact reason why I shouldn't have signed the petition.

Independent

This is the exact reason why I put so much into this and it just feels so unbelievable to have it happen".

The New York Times - Sports

The exact reason why a single failure in the Midwest on Thursday afternoon led to a disastrous cascade of blackouts has still not been determined.

The New York Times

This is the exact reason why coaches are so highly paid, because they have to deal with incredible amounts of stress induced by 18-22 year olds. 18-22 year olds

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Manchester Guardian, June 27 1916 "Dear Frank, I wish you to know the exact reasons why I am anxious to be released as soon as possible.

The Guardian

Regardless of the exact reasons why Americans are responding, say educators, philanthropists, and activists, there is little doubt that the current burst of interest in Africa is markedly different from those of the past.

The New York Times

He is still not able to go into detail as to the exact reasons why he was dismissed and only received today the full text from the club of the appeal hearing result.

Independent

Activision has remained vague as to the exact reasons why the pass is unavailable for Xbox 360 and PS3, but in a statement released to VideoGamer.com, it seems some downloadable content will only be available on next-gen consoles: "Season Pass will be available only on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms.

Independent

The exact reasons why he abruptly halted a dazzling political career, resigning from office on 23 October 1963, were unclear to his contemporaries; but those were days when neither parliamentary colleagues nor lobby and political journalists wanted to pry into the private lives of those in public life accused of no crime.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exact reason why", ensure that the context requires a high degree of precision and clarity. This phrase is best used when you want to emphasize that you are seeking or providing the most accurate explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "exact reason why" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "the reason why" or even just "why" would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact reason why" functions as a causal connector, introducing a specific explanation or cause. It emphasizes the precision and accuracy of the reason being presented, as seen across various examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact reason why" serves as a causal connector, signaling a precise explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it is best suited for contexts demanding clarity. As highlighted by Ludwig, several alternatives, such as "precise reason why" and "specific reason why", offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. While acceptable, overusing this in informal contexts can appear unnatural. The frequency analysis reveals its prominence in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise reason why

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the explanation.

specific reason why

Highlights the particular cause or explanation, narrowing it down.

actual reason why

Focuses on the truth and reality behind the explanation.

real reason why

Similar to 'actual reason why', it stresses the genuine explanation.

true reason why

Emphasizes the validity and correctness of the explanation.

definitive reason why

Highlights that the reason is conclusive and leaves no room for doubt.

conclusive reason why

Similar to 'definitive reason why', it points out the decisive explanation.

particular reason why

Emphasizes a certain aspect of the reason more than the whole explanation.

the reason for

More concise alternative, focusing on the cause of something.

the explanation for

More formal phrasing, generally in an academic context.

FAQs

How can I use "exact reason why" in a sentence?

You can use "exact reason why" to introduce a specific explanation or cause, as in "I'm not sure of the "exact reason why" this happened, but I have some theories".

What are some alternatives to "exact reason why"?

Alternatives include "precise reason why", "specific reason why", or simply "the reason for", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it redundant to say "exact reason why"?

While "reason why" can sometimes be redundant, adding "exact" emphasizes the need for a precise and accurate explanation, making it acceptable in contexts where clarity is crucial.

What is the difference between "exact reason why" and "the main reason why"?

"Exact reason why" emphasizes the accuracy and precision of the explanation, while "the main reason why" highlights the primary cause among potentially multiple contributing factors.