There should be no problem detecting the error in the above statement. It is overloaded, simply put. It is overburdened by ‘the reason why is because’, a common tautological expression you should avoid.
In stating why something happened, each of ‘reason’, ‘because’, and ‘why’ will do. When they are combined, tautology often results. Here are acceptable options for the sentence:
The reason is that he is very tired.
It is because he is very tired.
The speaker or writer can also be dramatic in giving the reason by introducing a colon or question mark, thus —in the case of the latter — asking and answering a question within a compact space. Consider these:
Ade will not be here. Reason: he is very tired.
Ade will not be here. Reason? He is very tired.
This indicates that there is ample opportunity to avoid the cliché ‘the reason why is because’ or ‘the reason why is that,’ as well as other similar ones. Another example:
Tautological: The reason why democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is because many of our politicians are greedy.
Tautological: The reason why democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is that many of our politicians are greedy.
Correct: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is that many of our politicians are greedy.
Also good: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria because many of our politicians are greedy.
Okay: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria due to the fact that many of our politicians are greedy.
Correct: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria as a result of the greed of many of our politicians.
Correct: Why is democracy not delivering great dividends in Nigeria? Many of our politicians are greedy.
Correct: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria: many of our politicians are greedy.
Also cool: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria? Many of our politicians are greedy.
Other tautological expressions to avoid
What do you think is wrong with each of them.
Tinubu will return back to Nigeria next week.
The pen is a free gift from my sister.
He has forgotten his PIN number.
The ATM machine is faulty.
Our next move will depend on the final outcome of the meeting.
Based on my past experience, I won’t buy a used phone.
The MD said the package was an added bonus for the admin staff.
What an unexpected surprise!
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