Meaning
introduces an explanation, focusing on the cause of something, often to correct a misunderstanding
Primary Function
Making causal explanations
Communicative Purpose
To clearly state the cause of something
Pattern
The reason; is that
Core Structure
The reason; is that
Função primária
Making causal explanations
Propósito comunicativo
To clearly state the cause of something
Situações de gatilho
explanations, teaching, formal arguments, debates
Contextos
academic, professional, formal writing, everyday conversations
Padrão
The reason; is that
Estrutura central
The reason; is that
Slots de substituição
The word 'why' is optional, and 'for' can be used instead of a clause
Colocados típicos
- is that
- because
Substituições comuns
- The cause is
- The explanation is
Erros comuns
The reason is because
Similar / contraste
This is because, The root cause is
Interferências
Some native speakers use 'is because', but 'is that' is preferred in formal writing
Família do chunk
- causal explanation frames
Nuance
clear and logical, useful for structuring explanations
Efeito pragmático
projects clarity of thought and organized reasoning
Dica de memória
reason why
Nota
The chunk 'The reason (why) is that' is a formal way to introduce an explanation, focusing on the cause of something. It is commonly used in everyday, academic, and professional contexts. The structure is semi-fixed, with the word 'why' being optional. The most common substitution is 'because', though 'is that' is preferred in formal writing. Common mistakes include combining 'is' and 'because', which is considered redundant.
Upgrade path
from 'because' to 'The reason is that' to 'The underlying reason is that'
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