I explained why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I explained why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have provided reasons or justifications for something in a previous statement or discussion. Example: "In my last email, I explained why the project deadline needs to be extended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And I explained why.

The New Yorker

I explained why here.

The Guardian

I explained why we love such things".

The New Yorker

I explained why Denham had a point.

The Guardian

I explained why the decision was taken.

The Guardian - Sport

"I explained why he could not get through.

The New York Times

I explained why I thought an extension was justified.

The Guardian

If I explained why, you'd think it sounded awful.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

She looks baffled, but agrees after I explain why I'm asking.

Independent

When I feel I need to change something, I explain why.

The New York Times

How can I explain why foreign cities came to mean so much to me?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I explained why" to clearly indicate that you have previously provided reasons or justifications, ensuring clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid stating "I explained why" without actually including or referencing the explanation. Ensure the explanation is readily available to the reader for context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I explained why" serves as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker has provided a reason or justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is widely used in English. The numerous examples available show its versatility in conveying explanations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I explained why" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an explanation has been provided. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and understood. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the explanation is actually provided or readily accessible to the audience. Alternatives like "I clarified why" or "I detailed the reasons" can add nuance to your writing. The frequency and authoritative sources using the phrase highlight its reliability and appropriateness in diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I gave the reasons why

Replaces "explained" with "gave the reasons", emphasizing the act of providing reasons.

I clarified why

Focuses on making something understandable, suggesting a previous lack of clarity.

I detailed the reasons

Highlights a comprehensive and thorough explanation.

I justified why

Emphasizes providing a rationale to defend or vindicate a decision or action.

I outlined the reasons for

Suggests a structured and concise presentation of the reasons.

I specified the reasons for

Implies a precise and definite explanation.

I elaborated on the reasons

Focuses on adding more details and expanding on the initial explanation.

I walked through the reasoning

Emphasizes a step-by-step explanation of the thought process.

I presented the rationale behind

Highlights the logical basis or principle underlying a decision or action.

Here's the explanation for why

Shifts the focus to presenting an explanation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I explained why" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I clarified the reasons why", "I detailed the rationale", or "I provided a justification for". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "I explained why" and "I described why"?

"I explained why" focuses on providing reasons or justifications, while "I described why" focuses on giving details about a situation or circumstance. The former aims to clarify causality, while the latter aims to provide a depiction.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I explained the reason why"?

While understandable, "I explained the reason why" is somewhat redundant. It's generally more concise and grammatically preferred to simply say "I explained why".

What can I say instead of "I explained why" if I want to emphasize that the explanation was thorough?

If you want to emphasize the thoroughness of the explanation, you could say "I detailed the reasons", "I elaborated on the reasons", or "I provided a comprehensive explanation of why".