SMART TALK SMART TALK

Dr. Saber S. Poder

REASON: The Center for English as a First Language is raising money for a Redundancy Unit. A selection of our staff will specialize in the psychological roots of this widespread malady, so we can treat it more effectively.

One of the many symptoms of compulsive redundancy is the inability to use reason as a noun by itself. For centuries, speakers and writers have wanted to know the reason why when all they’ve needed to know is the reason.

Even clumsier, the reason is because has both amused and sickened English teachers for many careers.

It can get even worse. The truly unthinking are capable the the reason why is because. These unfortunates also commit howlers such as all alone by myself. Yeah, solitarily. With no one else.

The reason they don't use English as if it were their first language is that they don't hear themselves, not even at 11 A.M. in the morning, when they should be awake and alert.

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