the reason that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the reason that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the cause of something. For example: "The reason that I missed the meeting was because my car broke down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That was the reason that kept me away from it.

The New York Times - Sports

"The reason that made it obvious was the medical school.

The New York Times

Tick off the reason that applies.

WikiHow

Get yourself away from the reason that made you furious.

WikiHow

The reason that paranoia is so appealing?

The New York Times

(Or the reason that America's are.

The New Yorker

The reason that analysts were barred from I.P.O.

The New York Times

"The reason that these extraordinary non-gaming attractions exist is.

Independent

And the reason that those families are unstable?

The New York Times

"The reason that we're all here today is the why".

The New Yorker

These patients are the reason that she founded Wonderland.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the reason that", ensure the clause following 'that' clearly explains the cause or justification. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "the reason why is because...", as they are redundant. Instead, choose either "the reason is..." or "that is because...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the reason that" functions as a causal connector, introducing a clause that explains the cause or justification for a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the reason that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While highly versatile, it's crucial to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity in your writing. The most common contexts for this phrase are News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Remember, alternatives like "the reason why" or "the cause that" can provide subtle variations in meaning while maintaining grammatical accuracy. When using this phrase, strive for concise and clear explanations to improve communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason why

Shorter and simpler alternative with the same meaning.

the cause that

Focuses more directly on the causal agent.

the reasons why

Offers a more direct and slightly less formal alternative.

the explanation that

Emphasizes providing clarity or understanding.

the motive that

Highlights the underlying motivation or purpose.

the grounds that

Suggests a basis or justification for an action or belief.

the rationale that

Implies a logical or coherent set of reasons.

the basis that

Indicates the fundamental principle or foundation.

the justification that

Highlights the act of defending or vindicating an action.

the circumstance that

Focuses on the specific conditions or events leading to a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the reason that" in a sentence?

Use "the reason that" to introduce a clause explaining why something happened. For example, "The reason that I am late is because the traffic was terrible."

What can I say instead of "the reason that"?

You can use alternatives like "the cause that", "the explanation that", or simply "the reason why" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the reason why is because"?

No, saying "the reason why is because" is redundant. A better phrasing would be "The reason is" or "That is because".

What is the difference between "the reason that" and "the reason why"?

While both phrases serve a similar purpose, "the reason why" is often considered more concise. "The reason that" can sometimes sound more formal. They are largely interchangeable.