[Grammar] the reason why vs the way that

[hcy.joanna]

Dear ones over there,

I'd like to know the reason:
we say,
1. That's the reason why he did it.
2. That's the time when he did it.
3. That's the place where he did it.

But we don't say,
4. That's the way how he did it.
Instead, we'll say,
5. That's the way that he did it.
or
6. That's how he did it.

Could anyone please explain why sentence 4 is incorrect?

Thanks a lot!

Joanna H.

 

[virus99]

Hi Joanna

I am NO teacher!!!!

That's how he did it.
That's the way he did it. (You don't need how here)

Or you could use: That was his way to do it. <-------- But I am not so sure about that....

As I said I am no teacher! Only wanted to respond just in case you have been waiting for an answer.

 

[hcy.joanna]

Thx Virus99, for the prompt response!
But...my puzzle is still there??

Joanna

 

[5jj]

Could anyone please explain why sentence 4 is incorrect?
.

Fifty years ago, #1 was considered incorrect by some. The choice was between That is the reason (that) he did it and That is why he did it. I have a vague memory that my English master wasn't too happy about time when or place where, either. Half a century ago, some people were very concerned about Tautology | Define Tautology at Dictionary.com.

If time when and place where were ever unacceptable, they are no longer so; nor is reason why for most speakers. Way how hasn't become naturalised - yet,

 

[Raymott]

Dear ones over there,

I'd like to know the reason:
we say,
1. That's the reason why he did it.
I would never say this. I'd say, "That's the reason he did it" or "That's why he did it."

2. That's the time when he did it.
I wouldn't say this either.

3. That's the place where he did it.
I might say this.

But we don't say,
4. That's the way how he did it.
Instead, we'll say,
5. That's the way that he did it.
or
6. That's how he did it.

Could anyone please explain why sentence 4 is incorrect?

Thanks a lot!

Joanna H.

I'd say 4. is not used, and 1 - 2 tend to be used more by the linguistically unsophisticated.
It's more a matter of usage than saying that 1 - 3 are 'correct' while 4 is 'incorrect'.

 

[hcy.joanna]

It's been helpful.
Thank you so much
Have a nice day!

Joanna