The reason that/why

AnonymousIs there any difference between "Am I the reason that you're crying now" and "Am I the reason why you're crying now"?

No.

AnonymousWhich one is more common?

Both are common. Some writers consider 'reason why' redundant.

Mister MicawberBoth are common. Some writers consider 'reason why' redundant.

I consider it incorrect.

You might be interested in the American Heritage Dict's usage note:

Usage Note:

Many critics have held that why is redundant in the expression 'the reason why', as in 'The reason why he accepted the nomination is not clear.' While it is true that 'why' could be eliminated from such examples with no loss to the sense, the construction has been used by repu

the reason that you're crying is adjective clause, while the reason why is noun clause.

A great many people confuse reason why with reason is because. It's really only the latter that's objectionable.

If reason why is objectionable, then so should be time when and place where.

CJ

CJ:; Very smart. Your understanding and explanations are great.

AnonymousThey all are clearly redundant/objectionable.

So you say.

Google hits:

reason why 145 million
time when 183 million
place where 175 million

CJ

Sorry, CJ, while you were responding, I was just scrapping it.

Mister MicawberSorry, CJ, while you were responding, I was just scrapping it.

Go ahead and scrap it, and all the follow-ons. No problem.

CJ

'commonly used' and 'redundant' are not mutually exclusive.