The word “reason” has fallen victim to redundancy. When we say “the reason is” we are about to state the cause of something, right? When we start the explanation with “because,” we’re doing the same thing. In fact, Merriam Webster uses the word “reason” to define “because.” So why do we often start our explanations with “the reason is because”?
The reason is because (oops!) that someone along the way forgot the meaning of the words and felt it was necessary. And because everyone will pick up the verbal habits of the people they talk to, the redundancy spread across the English speakers like mosquitoes in stagnant water.
To avoid redundancy, stick to either “the reason is that” or “because.”
If this article has helped you, or if you have other questions about this topic, please let me know. Thanks!
