Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Kazuhisa]

Dear teacher,

Is the sentence below correct?

"What do you think is the reason why ****?"

Or, I should say,

"What do you think the reason why **** is?"

Sincerely,

Kazuhisa

[pugachevV]

1.What do you think is the reason why Bill got married?
2.What do you think the reason why Bill got married is?
I prefer #1 but you may hear #2 also.
All you need to say is, "Why did Bill get married?
The person you ask will tell you what he thinks the reason is.

[Kazuhisa]

Hello, pugachevV.

Thanks for your answer. It was very helpful.

Kazuhisa

[CP]

In my opinion, both sentences are wrong.

You should not say, "What is the reason why" but rather, "What is the reason that . . . .?"

Similarly, do not say, "The reason why xx," but rather, "The reason that xx."

Often you will hear someone say something like this: "The reason why I like it is because it's really easy to use."

That should be, "The reason that I like it is that it's really easy to use." Or shortened to: "The reason I like it is that it's really easy to use."

"Why" is reserved for questions, and "because" for answers:

"Why do you hate Britney Spears?"
"Because she has no talent."
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