Please explain why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please explain why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting clarification or reasoning behind a statement or action. Example: "I don't understand your decision; please explain why you chose that option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please explain why there are more television commercials that feature fathers and daughters.

The New York Times

Please explain why the richest Americans should pay the lowest taxes.

The New York Times

Please explain why an intelligent and worldly surgeon, who is divorced, would date a manicurist with whom he shares no common friends or interests.

The New York Times

Please explain why it was necessary for readers to know that Kerry Kennedy wore "platform shoes, a suit, a hot-pink blouse and pearl earrings" in the story published in Tuesday's paper?

The New York Times

"Please explain why merchants are getting away with chip-card non-compliance".

Los Angeles Times

Please explain why this is so.

Biology Direct

Please explain why Saponin was added to the fibers.

eLife

Please explain why you don't use IC in the DFM when you aim to study that network.

eLife

Please explain why in Figure 6D and 6E IFN- treatment was taken as negative control and not medium only treatment as shown in Figures A-C.

Biology Direct

Please explain why you think that an ischemic event would lead to a decrease in the BIS value from approximately 50 to 25 in your case (but not in all cases e.g. your references).

F1000Research

Please explain why RATN synaptic modifications are expected to be necessary for memory formation; Our hypothesis was that RATN synaptic modification is required for memory formation, and our assumption was that were this the case, we would expect to see local evidence, including increased RATN phase alignment during successful encoding, in addition to the theta-gamma CFC already reported.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please explain why" when you need a clear and direct explanation, especially in situations where clarity is crucial. This is effective in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While "Please explain why" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "Why?" or "How come?" may be more appropriate to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please explain why" functions as an imperative request, prompting the recipient to provide a reason or justification for a statement, action, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Please explain why" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to request clarification or justification. It is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and effective for eliciting explanations and fostering understanding. When writing, consider the context and tone, opting for more formal alternatives like "Could you elaborate on...?" in professional settings and simpler phrases like "Tell me why" in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explain the reason

A direct and simple request for explanation.

What's the explanation for

More direct and concise.

Can you clarify the rationale behind

Emphasizes the need for clear understanding of the reasoning.

What is the reasoning behind

Specifically asks for the line of reasoning.

What are the reasons for

Asks for a comprehensive list of reasons.

Could you elaborate on the reasons for

More formal and indirect.

Why is that the case

Focuses on the reason or justification.

How do you justify

Challenges the justification or reasoning.

Tell me why

More informal and direct.

Walk me through your thought process

Asks for a detailed explanation of the reasoning.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "Please explain why"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "Could you elaborate on the reasons for...?" or "Can you clarify the rationale behind...?" These alternatives are suitable for professional communications.

How can I use "Please explain why" in a sentence?

You can use "Please explain why" to directly request clarification. For example: "I don't understand the new policy; please explain why these changes were implemented."

What are some informal alternatives to "Please explain why"?

In informal settings, you can use simpler alternatives like "Tell me why" or "What's the reason?" For example: "I'm confused; tell me why we're doing this."

Which is correct, "explain me why" or "Please explain why"?

"Please explain why" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Explain me why" is not standard English. Always use "Please explain why" for clarity and correctness.