the reason is simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the reason is simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are introducing an explanation that is straightforward or easy to understand. For example, "The reason why I decided to learn a second language is simple: I wanted to be able to communicate with more people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The reason is simple.

The New York Times

The reason is simple expediency.

The New York Times

The reason is simple: jobs.

The New York Times

The reason is simple, say critics.

The New York Times

Part of the reason is simple arithmetic.

The Economist

Well, the reason is simple.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The reason was simple.

The New York Times - Sports

The reason was simple: Cost.

The Washington Post

The reason was simple – I was a spent force.

The Guardian - Sport

The reason was simple: I wasn't with my family.

The Guardian

The reason was simple: his family had no cows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the reason is simple", follow it with a concise and direct explanation to maintain clarity and avoid overcomplicating the point.

Common error

While "the reason is simple" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by employing alternatives like "the explanation is straightforward" or "put simply" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the reason is simple" functions as an introductory device to signal that a clear and uncomplicated explanation will follow. It serves to prepare the reader for an easily understandable justification or cause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the reason is simple" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a straightforward explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and its prevalence in various sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and academic texts underscores its versatility. While common, remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "the explanation is straightforward" to maintain writing dynamism. The key is to follow this phrase with a concise and understandable explanation, ensuring clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation is straightforward

Replaces "simple" with "straightforward", emphasizing clarity and ease of understanding.

the explanation is clear

Substitutes "simple" with "clear", focusing on the lack of ambiguity.

the logic is straightforward

Replaces "reason" with "logic", shifting the focus to the rationale behind something.

the logic is clear

Combines the substitutions of the previous two options, highlighting both rationale and lack of ambiguity.

it boils down to

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a simplified explanation.

put simply

Offers a concise introduction to a simplified explanation.

in essence

Indicates the fundamental or core explanation.

the long and short of it is

An idiomatic expression for a concise summary or explanation.

to put it briefly

Highlights the brevity of the explanation that follows.

in a nutshell

Signals a very concise and summarized explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "the reason is simple" in a sentence?

Use "the reason is simple" to introduce a clear and easily understandable explanation. For example, "The reason I prefer coffee is simple: I enjoy the taste and the energy boost it gives me."

What are some alternatives to "the reason is simple"?

You can use alternatives such as "the explanation is straightforward", "it boils down to", or "in essence" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the reason is simple"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "the reason is simple" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "the reason is simple" when you want to introduce an explanation that is not complex or difficult to understand. It signals to the reader that the following explanation will be straightforward.