Identify the mistake: 'The reason is that he is extremely fatigued

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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.

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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:

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The reason is that he is very tired.

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It is because he is very tired.

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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:

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Ade will not be here. Reason: he is very tired.

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Ade will not be here. Reason? He is very tired.

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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:

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Tautological: The reason why democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is because many of our politicians are greedy.

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Tautological: The reason why democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is that many of our politicians are greedy.

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Correct: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria is that many of our politicians are greedy.

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Also good: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria because many of our politicians are greedy.

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Okay: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria due to the fact that many of our politicians are greedy.

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Correct: Democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria as a result of the greed of many of our politicians.

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Correct: Why is democracy not delivering great dividends in Nigeria? Many of our politicians are greedy.

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Correct: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria: many of our politicians are greedy.

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Also cool: The reason democracy is not delivering great dividends in Nigeria? Many of our politicians are greedy.

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Other tautological expressions to avoid

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What do you think is wrong with each of them.

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Tinubu will return back to Nigeria next week.

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The pen is a free gift from my sister.

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He has forgotten his PIN number.

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The ATM machine is faulty.

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Our next move will depend on the final outcome of the meeting.

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Based on my past experience, I won’t buy a used phone.

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The MD said the package was an added bonus for the admin staff.

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What an unexpected surprise!

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