Grammar-Quizzes › Clauses › Subordinate Clauses › The Reason Is…
The Reason Is…
Specify reason by grouping or moving content
Cause-effect Statement vs. Cause (Reason) Statement
| CAUSE & EFFECT 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.) |
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| EFFECT | CONNECTOR | CAUSE (NP) |
Jack hasn't found a job |
because of¹ |
the weak economy. |
|
on account of¹ |
the weak economy. |
|
as a result of¹ |
the weak economy. |
| CAUSE (CLS) | ||
Jack hasn't found a job |
because |
the economy is weak. |
|
as |
the economy is weak. |
|
due to the fact |
the economy is weak. |
|
for the reason that |
the economy is weak. |
| CAUSE EXPRESSIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
"The reason is" is used to create a kind of package which isolates the effect content so that emphasis can be placed on the cause at the end of the sentence. A for phrase or that-clause adds additional effect details. |
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| EFFECT (CLS) | BE | CAUSE / REASON (NP) |
The reason for not finding a job |
is |
the weak economy. (NP) |
The reason (that) he can't find a job |
|
(that) the economy is weak. |
The reason why² he can't find a job |
|
because of ² the economy. |
| NP / THAT-CLAUSE | ||
The problem |
is |
the weak economy. (NP) |
The cause
|
is |
(that) the economy is weak. |
The disadvantage |
is |
(that) the economy is weak. |
The point |
is |
(that) the economy is weak. |
¹ This expression is followed by a noun phrase. See Because expressions.
² The usage the reason why is… or the reason is because… is repetitive, informal usage.
*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.
The reason is…
With specifying vs. ascriptive be
Specifying be vs. Ascriptive (describing) be
| "BE" – SPECIFYING (IDENTIFYING) | ||
|---|---|---|
The verb be is specifying when it is complemented by a definite noun (a noun phrase or clause) that identifies the subject noun. The elements before and after "be" may be interchanged without affecting meaning. Specifying be has the "reciprocal property". |
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| NP SUBJECT | BE–SPEC | NP/CLAUSE COMPLEMENT |
The reason Money |
is ←→ |
money. (N) the reason. |
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the lack of money. (NP) |
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(that) we can't afford it. (CLS) |
|
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there. (Adv/P) |
|
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to save money. (Inf.) |
|
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~ not having enough money. (Ger.) |
|
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~because we don't have enough money. (ConnP) |
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| "BE" – ASCRIPTIVE (DESCRIBING) | ||
|---|---|---|
The verb be is ascriptive when it is complemented by an adjective, adjective phrase or indefinite noun that states (describes) the quality or character of the subject-noun before it. Ascriptive be does not have the "reciprocal property ". |
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| NP SUBJECT | BE –DESC | ADJ COMPLEMENT |
The reason * Logical |
is (not exchangeable) |
logical. (Adj) the reason. |
silly. (Adj) |
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confusing. (participial modifier) |
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unfortunate but true. (Adj-Adj) |
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a joke. (indefinite noun) |
a mystery. (indefinite noun) |
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|
|
* the mystery. (definite noun) |
afford (V) — have enough money to purchase something
ascriptive (Adj) — stating the quality or character of something or someone
reciprocal properby (math) A=B and B=A; A=B but B≠A (are not exchangeable) The meaning is affected or illogical when the elements before and after are exchanged
* not used / ~ Some people consider the reason why is… or the reason is because… to be repetitive, informal usage.
N – noun; NP — noun phrase; ADJ —adjective; ADJP — adjective phrase
Also see Specifying vs. Ascriptive "be" and Modifing Quantity Clauses with "Be".
Specifying Expressions
Be + That-clause
"Product Review" – reasons for and against
| GOOD | BAD |
|---|---|
The advantage is (that) the dog owner can lift his dog in high water. |
The disadvantage is that the dog may not find it comfortable |
The benefit is that the dog gets assistance. |
The drawback is that it doesn't fit dogs with long backs (dachshunds and corgis.) |
The understanding is that the harness is a lifting device. |
The trick is that you have to lift the dog exactly when it jumps (or the dog will hand mid-air.) |
~ The good thing is (informal) the harness is strong and will last a long time. |
~ The thing is not every dog likes to be lifted. |
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The problem is that the fit may not be comfortable for every dog. |
| IDEA | CAUSE-EFFECT |
|---|---|
The concept is (that) the owner will have more control over the dog. |
The reason is (that) dog owners want an easier way to take hold of their pet. |
The current thinking is that dog owners are willing to pay for useful accessories. |
The motivation is (that) harnesses are selling well and will make us money. |
The feeling is (that) the harness should be a little more colorful to attract buyers. |
The explanation is (that) a handle on a dog harness will provide a quick lifting device for the owner. |
The idea is (that) the handle helps the owner lift the dog. / The idea is to lift the dog. |
The result is (that) the owner will not have to bend down and pick up the dog when going up stairs. |
The point is that this is a very useful training device and accessory. / The point is to make a useful device. |
The solution is that we should make an affordable product. / The solution is to make an affordable product. |
The thing is…, the thing that bothers me is… — used informally to refer to an important point or problem
The trick (N) — clever method
The feeling — the sentiment, regard, opinion
An infinitive is used after words that speculate about future potential The idea / point / solution / thing / trick is to…
Specifying Expressions
Article Use
Article use when expressing reason
| ARTICLE USAGE | MEANING | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
Reason is |
Speakers may drop the article in speech, but it is included in business and academic writing. |
"Why are you changing the design?" ~ "Reason is the old design doesn't work well." (informal) |
A reason is |
If there is more than one reason, a (one) reason may be mentioned in part. |
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 |
If there is one primary reason, the reason is used. |
The reason is that we had no other choice. |
Their reason Their reasoning is |
The words above can be used with a personal possessive pronoun. |
Their reason is that it is the right thing to do. Their reasoning is that it is the right thing to do. |
reasoning (N) — thinking or understanding
*not used / ~ informal or special context required
Specifying Expressions
Prepositional Modifiers
The Reason followed by a prepositional 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. |
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| FOR | ||
The main reason for the crisis |
is |
that people spent more than they had. |
The logic for this |
is |
that one person's actions affect another person's earnings. |
The idea for this legislation |
is |
that people will not manage themselves unless forced by law. |
The concept for this idea |
is |
that if people paid less in tax, they would have more money to spend. |
| ON / ABOUT | ||
The current thinking on/ about that |
is |
that we all need to make changes. |
The general feeling about the law |
is |
that it is unfair to the next generation. |
The understanding (with them) on/ about that |
is |
that we will support their position if possible. |
| WITH | ||
The problem with overspending |
is |
that it results in failure. |
The understanding with them |
is |
that we will support each other in hard times. |
| NOUN PHRASE + PREP PHRASE | ||
|---|---|---|
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. |
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| OF | ||
The point of this conversation |
is |
that we all need to make changes. |
The disadvantage of this method |
is |
that it is more complex. |
The benefit of this |
is |
that everyone wins. |
The result of this |
was |
that everyone won. |
| TO | ||
The solution to the problem |
is |
that we need to produce more useful goods. |
The trick to fixing it |
is |
that you have to use the right tool. |
The drawback to your idea |
is |
that it requires a lot of money. |
| TO / OF | ||
The advantage to/ of your method |
is |
that it is simpler. |
*The logic to/ of this |
is |
that one person's actions affect another person's earnings. |
trick (N) – a clever method
Common Mistakes
Errors and Solutions
Error and Solution
| ERROR |
|---|
*The reason we don't like to work on Saturday. (Error – an incomplete sentence) |
*The reason which I can't find work is there are so few jobs. (Error – which) |
* The reason why I can't come to your party is because my dog is sick. |
~The reason why is a funny story. |
* They are selling their business. The reason being they are retiring. |
* He wants to get a dog. The reason is to have a walking partner. |
~ The reason is the fact that he is actually very nice guy. |
~ The reason for that is that we have to be on time. |
| SOLUTION |
|---|
The reason is that we don't like to work on Saturday. |
The reason (that) I can't find work is there are so few jobs. |
The reason [that] I can't come to your party is [that] my dog is sick. |
The reason why for that is a funny story. |
They are selling their business because they are retiring. / The reason is [that] they are retiring. |
The reason [ idea / point / solution] is to have a walking partner. The reason is [that] he wants a walking partner. |
The reason is the fact that he is actually a very nice guy. |
The reason for that is that we have to be on time. |
* Incorrect usage. / ~ Questionable or marginal use
Pop-Q "Reason is"
Grammar Notes (Advanced)
Traditional and Linguistic Description
Traditional / ESL and Linguistic Descriptions
| TRADITIONAL 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)
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| REED-KELLOGG DIAGRAM |
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| LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION |
|---|
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) Huddleston "Ascriptive and specifying uses of be" 266; "Internal Complement in Clause Structure: Postposing of subject" 958; Swan 492; Quirk 3.31, 15.5.iii. |
| TREE DIAGRAM |
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Word Categories: N – Noun; V – Verb; Aux – Auxiliary; Adj – Adjective; Adv – Adverb; P –Preposition; Det –Determiner.
Phrasal Categories: NP – Noun Phrase; VP – Verb Phrase; AdjP – Adjective Phrase; AdvP – Adverb Phrase; PP – Prepositional Phrase; DP – Determinative Phrase.
Clausal Categories: Cls – clause; F – finite clause; NF – nonfinite clause (Ger – gerund; Inf – infinitive; PPart – past participle).
Word Functions: Subj – subject; Pred – predicate/predicator; Comp – complement: elements required by an expression to complete its meaning (DO – direct object; IO – indirect object); Adjunct – adjunct: elements not required by an expression to complete its meaning (Subord – subordinator; Coord – coordinator); Supl – supplement: a clause or phrase added onto a clause that is not closely related to the central thought or structure of the main clause.
Works Cited
- Azar, Betty Schrampfer, and Stacy A. Hagen. Understanding and Using English Grammar. 4th ed., Pearson Education, 2009.
- Biber, Douglas, and Stig Johansson, et al. Longman Grammar Of Spoken And Written English. Pearson Education, 1999.
- Huddleston, Rodney D., and Geoffrey K. Pullum. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge UP, 2002.
- O'Brien, Elizabeth. "Diagramming Sentences Exercises: Chapter 1." English Grammar Revolution. 2016. english-grammar-revolution.com/english-grammar-exercise.html. Accessed on 10 Oct. 2016.
- Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2005.
- "Sentence diagram." Wikipedia. 28 Sep. 2016. Accessed on 10 Oct. 2016.
Practice 1
Job Interview
Read (context for practices 1 – 3)
Q: What brings you here to us today?
A: I am here for the statistical analyst job.
Q: I see that you have a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine. Why did you choose to study there?
A: Because I liked the program they offered. It was a good match for my goals.
Q: Why are you applying here at Tzonga?
A: The reason is the Tzonga name. It stands for quality.
Q: Do you own a Tzonga tablet?
A: Yes, I do. The thing I like is that it has great apps.
Q: Which of our apps do you like best?
I like the Compose app because I like to write while I commute on the train.
Q: How would you make it better?
A: 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.
Q: True, the current thinking is that we should move away from keyboard entry.
A: Yes, the advantage is the ease of word entry. The disadvantage is the input for speakers with accents.
Q: Would you be interested in working on the Compose app project?
A: Yes, I would very much, because I know its pros and cons. (good and bad points)
Q: Great. We need someone to analyze its online user data. Have you learned CSSS?
A: No, I haven't. The reason for that is we used SPSS instead. However, I could quickly learn it.
Q: Excellent. Do you have to leave right away? I ask because we have an afternoon focus group that should meet you.
A: 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.
Q: That's not a problem. How about returning Thursday at 1:00 p.m.?
A: That's fine. Let me give you my mobile phone number in case you need to reach me.
Q: Sure. That's a good idea because sometimes there is a room change.
A: Here is the number.
Q: Thanks for coming in. We'll see you on Thursday.
A: Yes, Thursday. Thank you for this opportunity. Goodbye.
apps (N) — applications (programs) that run on mobile devices
communte (V) — travel to and from work
keyboard (N) — the part of the computer where you can type
reach (V) — locate in order to talk with someone; call
statistical analyst (N) — an employee who interprets the user-click data and interprets it for marketing purposes
Tzonga — an imaginary company name
Complete the sentence.
- Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "Check" or "Check 1-5" button.
Practice 2
Responding with reasons
Correct or Incorrect?
- Select a response correct or incorrect.
- Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "Check" or "Check 6-10" button.
Practice 3
Tzonga Work Advantages
Edit the sentence so that the usage is more formal.
- Edit the sentence(s) in the text box.
- Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "Check" or "Check 11-15" button.