The reason is: specifying the reason

The reason is…

Specifying the reason

Cause-effect Statement vs. Cause (Reason) Statement

CAUSE & EFFECT EXPRESSIONS			CAUSE EXPRESSIONS
When we want to relate a cause and effect situation, we use — because, since, as, due to, for this reason — to relate a cause-clause to an effect-clause. (That is not included in the cause-clause.)			When we want to specify the main reason for a particular situation, we use — the reason, problem, cause — followed by be with the meaning of "specifying". (The cause = X) The effect may be included with a modifying "for" or "that" clause. (That is optionally included.)
EFFECT Jack hasn't found a job	SUBORD CONJ. because	CAUSE-CLAUSE the economy is weak. *that the economy is weak.	CAUSE (EFFECT) The reason (for not finding a job)	= is	THAT-CLAUSE the weak economy. (noun phrase) that the economy is weak. (that-clause)
	as		The reason (that he can't find a job)
	due to the fact		The reason ††(why he can't find a job)
	for the reason that		The problem
	because of†	NOUN PHRASE the weak economy.	The cause The disadvantage
	on account of†		The point
	as a result of†		The result

†This expression is followed by a noun phrase. See Cause & Effect expressions.
††Some consider the reason why is… or the reason is because… repetitive, informal usage.
*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.

Specifying vs. describing "be"

BE – SPECIFYING A REASON			BE – DESCRIBING A REASON
The copular verb, be may be used with a meaning of describing or specifying. When be is used for specifying, it is followed by information that identifies the subject-noun before it. (the reason = X).			When be is used with a meaning of describing, it is followed by information that states the quality or character of the subject-noun before it. (See stative verbs 'describing vs. specifying.)
NOUN PHRASE The reason	BE – SPEC. is	NP / CLAUSE the lack of money. (noun phrase)	NOUN PHRASE The reason	BE – DESC. is	ADJECTIVE PHRASE logical.
The reason		(that) we don't have enough money. (clause)			well thought out.
The reason		over there. (adverb or prep. phrase)			untrue.
		to save money. (infinitive – purpose)			unfortunate but true.
		? not having enough money. (gerund)			half-baked. (not well thought out)
		†because we don't have enough money.

†Some consider the reason why is… or the reason is because… repetitive, informal usage.
? Infrequent or incorrect usage
Also see Describing "be"

List of other words that specify (just a few)

The advantage is The advantage is that we no one will go without healthcare	The benefit is The benefit is that everyone will have better healthcare.	The concept is The concept is that we make the phone so easy that the user doesn't need a manual.	The current thinking is (reasoning, understanding) The current thinking is to make a better looking mousetrap, not just a better designed mousetrap, then you'll be successful.
The disadvantage is The disadvantage is that everyone has to pay for healthcare insurance.	The drawback is The drawback is that everyone will be required to pay for health insurance.	The feeling is The general feeling is that the product will fill an emotional need as well as a functional need.	The idea is The idea is that if we simplify the product, the user will have a better experience with it.
The thing is (informal) The thing is I'm not sure what to do next.	The problem is The problem is that no one can figure out how to use it.	The result is The result is that we have a better designed product.	The solution is (that / infinitive) The solution is that we include… / The solution is to include better controls.
The trick is (that / infinitive) The trick to fixing it is that you use the right tool. / The trick to fixing it is to use the right tool.	The understanding is The understanding is that we work our regular hours and then some (more).

The thing is…, the thing that bothers me is… – used informally to refer to an important point or problem
The feeling – the sentiment, regard, opinion

Articles

0	A	THE	POSSESSIVE PRONOUN
Speakers may drop the article in speech, but it is included in business and academic writing.	If there is more than one reason, a (one) reason may be mentioned in part.	If there is one primary reason, the reason is used.	The words above can be used with a personal possessive pronoun. (The -ing form of a word "reasoning" indicates the process.)
Reason is Reason is we have to do that. The reason is that we have to do that.	A reason is A reason for adding the touch screen is that it will make the phone thinner. Another reason is that it will be easier to use.	The reason is The reason is that we had no other choice.	Their reason / reasoning is (thinking, understanding) Their reason is that it is the right thing to do. Their reasoning is that it is the right thing to do.

Prepositional Modifiers

NOUN PHRASE + PREP PHRASE			NOUN PHRASE + PREP PHRASE
When specifying a reason, solution, problem or important point, a prepositional phrase is commonly used to modify the noun. Choice of preposition may vary.			In conversation, we commonly use these expressions (1) to claim next-speaker rights (place holder), and (2) to give us a moment to mentally compose the rest of the sentence after is.
FOR The main reason for the crisis	is	that people spent more than they had.	OF The point of this conversation	is	that we all need to make changes.
The logic for this	is	that one person's actions affect another person's earnings.	The disadvantage of this method	is	that it is more complex.
The idea for this legislation	is	that people will not manage themselves unless they are forced to by law.	The benefit of this	is	that everyone wins.
The concept for this idea	is	that if people paid less in tax, they would have more money to spend.	The result of this	was	that everyone won.
ON / ABOUT The current thinking on/ about that	is	that we all need to make changes.	TO The solution to the problem	is	that we need to produce more useful goods.
The general feeling about the law	is	that it is unfair to the next generation.	The trick to fixing it	is	that you have to use the right tool.
The understanding (with them) on/ about that	is	that we will support their position if possible.	The drawback to your idea	is	that it requires a lot of money.
WITH The problem with overspending	is	that it results in failure.	The advantage to/ of your method	is	that it is simpler.
The understanding with them	is	that we will support each other in hard times.	*The logic to/ of this	is	that one person's actions affect another person's earnings.

trick (n.) – a clever method

Beginning or ending with the specifying-clause

CLAUSE + BE + THE REASON	THE REASON + BE + CLAUSE
For emphasis, a clause with a reason can be placed before be as the subject of the clause.	Usually, we tend to prefer placing "heavier content" (the part with more words) at the end of the clause. A speaker also places a clause at the end to allow more time to think of a good answer!
SUBJECT: CLAUSE That we don't have enough business	BE is	OBJECT the reason.	NEW SUBJECT The reason	BE is	FORMER SUBJECT that we don't have enough business.
That we have no extra money to hire you	is	the reason.	The reason	is	that we have no extra money to hire you.

CLAUSE + BE + THE REASON

THE REASON + BE + CLAUSE

For emphasis, a clause with a reason can be placed before be as the subject of the clause.

Usually, we tend to prefer placing "heavier content" (the part with more words) at the end of the clause. A speaker also places a clause at the end to allow more time to think of a good answer!

SUBJECT: CLAUSE

That we don't have enough business

OBJECT

the reason.

NEW SUBJECT

The reason

FORMER SUBJECT

that we don't have enough business.

That we have no extra money to hire you

the reason.

The reason

that we have no extra money to hire you.

In current linguistic description, this is called a postposing a subject (placing it after the verb). (CaGEL 958)

Common Mistakes (and other preferences)

ERROR	FIX
*The reason we don't like to work on Saturday. (Error – an incomplete sentence)	The reason is that we don't like to work on Saturday. Include the verb and that in the main clause.
*The reason which I can't find work is there are so few jobs. (Error – which)	The reason (that) I can't find work is there are so few jobs. The modifying clause requires that not which (typically used for non-restrictive or supplementary clauses.)
*The reason being there so few jobs. (Error – verb form)	The reason is/ was there are so few jobs. Use the 3rd person singular present or past.
? The reason is the fact that he is actually very nice guy. Not incorrect, but the reason…the fact sound awkward together.	The reason is the fact that he is actually a very nice guy. Consider removing the fact that because it sounds awkward with the reason.
? The reason for that is that we have to be on time. Not incorrect, but that…that sound awkward together.	The reason for that is that we we have to be on time. Most speakers will avoid a second that if it is an optional that.
? The reason why is a funny story. Not incorrect, but the reason & why sound awkward together.	The reason why for that is a funny story. Consider using for that in place of another question word(why).

*Yellow highlighting indicates example of incorrect usage.
? Some speakers may avoid this grammar usage.
Pop-Q "Reason is"

Grammar Notes

Traditional Grammar vs. Linguistic Description

Advanced

TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR	LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION
In traditional grammar, be a "linking verb" or "stative verb", also called copula or copular verb, relates the subject noun to information after the verb – an adjective, adverb, noun phrase or noun clause. The information after be further identifies or describes the noun. Noun = X i. The reason is logical. (adjective) ii. The reason is the high cost. (noun phrase) iii.The reason is that the cost is too high. (noun-clause)	In current linguistic description, be is "ascriptive" or "specifying", and may be complemented by a wide variety of structures; noun phrase (NP) prepositional phrase (PP) adjective phrase (adjP) adverb phrase (advP) a full clause, or possibly a nonfinite clause. i. The reason is logical. ("ascriptive be" – Subject Complement: adjective phrase) ii. The reason is the high cost. ("specifying be" – Subject Complement: noun phrase) iii. The reason is that is costs too much. ("specifying be" – Subject Complement: that-clause) iv. That is costs too much is the reason. (Subject: that-clause) v. The reason is that is costs too much. ("postposed subject") CaGEL"Ascriptive and specifying uses of be" 266; Internal Complement in Clause Structure: Postposing of subject 958. Swan 492; CoGEL 3.31, 15.5.iii
REED-KELLOGG DIAGRAM Click the diagram to enlarge it.	TREE DIAGRAM

TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR

LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION

In traditional grammar, be a "linking verb" or "stative verb", also called copula or copular verb, relates the subject noun to information after the verb – an adjective, adverb, noun phrase or noun clause. The information after be further identifies or describes the noun.

Noun = X

i. The reason is logical. (adjective)
ii. The reason is the high cost. (noun phrase)
iii.The reason is that the cost is too high. (noun-clause)

In current linguistic description, be is "ascriptive" or "specifying", and may be complemented by a wide variety of structures; noun phrase (NP) prepositional phrase (PP) adjective phrase (adjP) adverb phrase (advP) a full clause, or possibly a nonfinite clause.

i. The reason is logical. ("ascriptive be" – Subject Complement: adjective phrase)
ii. The reason is the high cost. ("specifying be" – Subject Complement: noun phrase)
iii. The reason is that is costs too much. ("specifying be" – Subject Complement: that-clause)
iv. That is costs too much is the reason. (Subject: that-clause)
v. The reason is that is costs too much. ("postposed subject")

CaGEL"Ascriptive and specifying uses of be" 266; Internal Complement in Clause Structure: Postposing of subject 958. Swan 492; CoGEL 3.31, 15.5.iii

REED-KELLOGG DIAGRAM

Click the diagram to enlarge it.

TREE DIAGRAM

CATEGORIES: NP –noun phrase; N – noun; VP – verb phrase; V – verb; Det – determiner; PP – prepositional phrase; P – preposition; AdvP – adverb phrase; Adv – adverb; AdjP– adjective phrase; Adj – adjective
FUNCTIONS: Subject: Subject, Predicate: Predicator (V) Complements: (elements required by verb) Object, Indirect Object, Predicative Complement Adjuncts: (optional modifiers) Adj, Adv

Resources / Works Cited

Practice 1

Job Interview

What brings you here to us today?
I am here for the job of "statistical analyst".

I see that you have a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine. Why did you choose to study there?
Because I liked the program they offered. It was a good match for my goals.

Why are you applying here at Tzonga?
The reason is the Tzonga name. It stands for quality.

Do you own a Tzonga tablet?
Yes, I do. The thing I like is that it has great apps.

Which of our apps do you like best?
I like the Compose app because I like to write while I commute on the train.

How would you make it better?
The problem is that it doesn't have a voice input feature, and it's not always convenient to use the keyboard to input text or use other apps.

True, the current thinking is that we should move away from keyboard entry.
Yes, the advantage is the ease of word entry. The disadvantage is the input for speakers with accents.

Would you be interested in working on the Compose app project?
Yes, I would very much, because I know its pros and cons. (good and bad points)

Great. We need someone to analyze its online user data. Have you learned CSSS?
No, I haven't. The reason for that is we used SPSS instead. However, I could quickly learn it.

Excellent. Do you have to leave right away? I ask because we have an afternoon focus group that should meet you.
I'd be happy to stay and meet them. The problem is that I have a doctor's appointment at 2:00 p.m. today, which I can't change at the last minute.

That's not a problem. How about returning Thursday at 1:00 p.m.?
That's fine. Let me give you my mobile phone number in case you need to reach me.

Sure. That's a good idea because sometimes there is a room change.
Here is the number.

Thanks for coming in. We'll see you on Thursday.
Yes, Thursday. Thank you for this opportunity. Goodbye.

Select the best word

Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence.
Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.

#	YOUR RESPONSE	CHECK YOUR ANSWER
1.	The reason I am here is I need a job.
2.	I studied statistics I am good at math .
3.	The reason is that I used to play math games when I was young.
4.	The advantage is that one can use them in a number of ways.
5.	The benefit of a degree in statistics is . be in demand – be required as necessary

Practice 2

Responding with reasons

Correct or Incorrect?

Read each sentence and decide if it is correct. Select your response.
Read the feedback to compare your response to the answer.

#	SENTENCE	YOUR RESPONSE & FEEDBACK
6.	What is your reason for applying to Tzonga? The reason I'd like to be part of a creative group.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 6
7.	Why do you like our new app Compose? The advantage is for it's a good idea.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 7
8.	How would you improve it? The drawback for the tablet is that it requires the keyboard to input data.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 8
9.	Can you stay for our afternoon meeting? Unfortunately, I can't. The reason being I have a doctor's appointment.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 9
10.	Ah well. The solution is to come back on Thursday. Certainly! What time?	Correct Incorrect Feedback 10

Practice 3

Tzonga Work Advantages

Edit the expressions with "The reason is"

Change the informal speech to formal use (academic and business).
Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.

#	EDIT THE SENTENCE	CHECK YOUR ANSWER
11.	Why is Tzonga successful? REWRITE: The reason why is because everyone is passionate about working here. The reason why is because everyone is passionate about work here
12.	Are there perks in working for Tzonga? (perks – extra or special advantages) REWRITE: There are several. The reason being they want to keep us here. There are several. The reason being they want to keep us here.
13.	How so? REWRITE: Reason is they offer us breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that we will stay on site and keep working late. Reason is they offer us breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that we will stay on site and keep working late.
14.	Does it work? REWRITE: Yes, mostly. But the reason that some of us leave early is because we have children to care for. But the reason some of us leave early is because we have children to care for.
15.	Does Tzonga plan to add a daycare facility? REWRITE: Perhaps, they will after buying the building next door. Their reasoning is that they need more space. Perhaps, after buying the building next door. Their reasoning is that we need more space.

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