the reason is because

[raes112]

Which is a better way of saying these sentences:

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today. The reason is that he has to go to a funeral.

or

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today. The reason is because he has to go to a funeral.

Of course you can also say:

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today because he has to go to a funeral.

However, if you had to break it up into 2 sentences, which is better? I think the 1st one is better. I feel that saying "the reason is because" is a bit redundant, no? What do you think?

[2006]

Originally Posted by raes112

Which is a better way of saying these sentences:

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today. The reason is that he has to go to a funeral.

or

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today. The reason is because he has to go to a funeral.

Of course you can also say:

I heard that Bill cannot come to work today because he has to go to a funeral.

However, if you had to break it up into 2 sentences, which is better? I think the 1st one is better. I feel that saying "the reason is because" is a bit redundant, no? What do you think?

I agree with you. "The reason is because..." is not good English.