What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
why
Example
Why did you choose that color for your room? [why: interrogative pronoun]
Example
I don't understand why she left without saying goodbye. [why: conjunction]
reason
Example
The reason I'm late is because of traffic. [reason: noun]
Example
She reasoned that it was better to wait until tomorrow to make a decision. [reasoned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Why is more commonly used than reason in everyday language, particularly in casual conversation. Reason is more formal and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between why and reason?
Reason is generally considered more formal than why, which is more commonly used in casual conversation. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
