Can you explain why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can you explain why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to clarify the reasons behind a particular statement or action. Example: "Can you explain why you chose that particular method for the experiment?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Can you explain why it is?

The Guardian

Can you explain why that is true?

The Guardian

Can you explain why that makes you "hopeful"?

The New York Times

Can you explain why the RGIII fumble for a touchdown wasn't considered a forward lateral?

The New York Times

Can you explain why the Bush tax cuts are necessary to keep alive?

The New Yorker

"Can you explain why inflation was not as high last month as you expected?" Reeves continued.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

If your retention costs are going up, this per-customer number can help you explain why in the context of your go-to-market strategy.

TechCrunch

(Where did he go?) And can you explain clearly why we use 'did' which is past tense of the verb 'do'do

WikiHow

Can you explain to us why you'd need to spend so much money to secure this seat?

The New York Times

You only ask them, "Can you explain this medically?" Why were there 10 years between the first miracle and the second miracle?

The New York Times

3.26pm: "Can you explain to me why Tour riders bother to have blood transfusions or to take extra testosterone when they will get caught?" asks Janice Morgan.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Can you explain why", consider your audience and adjust your tone accordingly. In formal settings, a more polite alternative like "Could you clarify why" might be preferable.

Common error

While "Can you explain why" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too direct or informal in certain formal writing situations. Opt for alternatives like "Could you elaborate on the reasons for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can you explain why" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically designed to solicit a reasoned explanation or justification for a particular action, decision, or phenomenon. This is reflected in Ludwig's examples, where various individuals are asked to clarify their choices or the reasons behind certain events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Can you explain why" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for seeking clarification and understanding. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and general media. While grammatically sound and appropriate for many situations, remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "Could you clarify why" or "Could you elaborate on the reasons for". Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and widespread usage of this phrase, making it a valuable addition to your communication toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you clarify the reason why

More formal and polite.

Elaborate on the reasons

Seeks a more detailed explanation.

Explain the basis for

Asks for the fundamental reasons or principles supporting something.

Why don't you explain

More direct and potentially challenging.

What's the rationale behind

Inquires about the underlying principles or logic.

What's the explanation for

Shifts focus to the existence of an explanation.

What are the causes of

Focuses specifically on identifying the factors that led to a particular outcome.

How do you account for

Asks for a justification or reason, often in unexpected situations.

How would you justify

Challenges the person to defend their position or action.

Walk me through the reasoning

Requests a detailed step-by-step explanation of the rationale.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to ask "Can you explain why"?

You can use alternatives like "Could you clarify the reason why", "What's the explanation for", or "How do you account for" depending on the context and your desired level of formality. Consider also "what's the rationale behind" if you are referring to specific principles.

How to use "Can you explain why" in a sentence?

Use "Can you explain why" followed by the specific situation or question you need clarification on. For example, "Can you explain why the project is behind schedule?" or "Can you explain why you made that decision?". Be sure to phrase it as a direct question.

Is "Can you explain why" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "Can you explain why" might sound too direct in formal settings. More formal alternatives like "Could you elaborate on why" or "Could you clarify the reasons for" might be more suitable. If your intention is to challenge, you can use "how would you justify" instead.

What's the difference between "Can you explain why" and "Why"?

"Can you explain why" is a polite request for an explanation. "Why", on its own, is a more direct question that can sometimes sound abrupt. Using "Can you explain why" softens the question, making it more courteous and respectful. Consider that "what's the explanation for" would be a more neutral way to require an explanation.