an answer as to why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an answer as to why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking clarification or reasoning behind a particular situation or decision. Example: "I would like to receive an answer as to why the project was delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I was relieved, actually, because I'd been given an answer as to why I'd been feeling so bad.

Independent

He said he needed an answer as to why the Knicks fell just short against the Raptors, 100-98, for their fourth straight loss.

The New York Times - Sports

Locked in that motel room, quaffing down quarts of vodka, we have no need of an answer as to why he's there.

The Guardian - Film

"As long as I didn't get an answer as to why they were treating me differently," he says, "I decided to renounce a great pleasure for myself".

The Guardian - Film

Of course, when it was over nobody had an answer as to why man seemed to be the only one of earth's creatures endowed with the urge to hate.

The New York Times

To the Editor: I read with interest Gina Kolata's column, hoping to find an answer as to why I ran six miles in Philadelphia's 10-mile Broad Street Run despite intense pain that resulted in a stress fracture and no running for at least six weeks.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Writing this now, I can't even give a decent answer as to why I didn't at least get my daughter vaccinated against meningitis C (the B vaccine has not been licensed yet).

The Guardian - Opinion

If your portfolio has numerous "copycat" funds, an advisor should have an adequate answer as to why similar funds are necessary to meet your long-term goals.

Los Angeles Times

But practical considerations aside, the autobiographical notes in the program Lear is Here offer an interesting answer as to why wu chooses to adapt King Lear.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Prison graffiti can offer us insights into the psyche of the incarcerated and in this case perhaps an elusive answer as to why two men might want to kill innocent people unknown to them.

The New York Times

Of course, there's an easy answer as to why the labels think the cloud is different from your hard drive: greed.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an answer as to why", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are seeking a reason or explanation for a specific event or situation. For example, "I need an answer as to why the project was delayed."

Common error

Avoid using "an answer as to why" in situations where a simpler phrase like "a reason why" would suffice. Overusing the longer phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an answer as to why" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'seek', 'demand', 'require'). It introduces a request or expectation for a reason or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an answer as to why" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to request or seek an explanation for something. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase frequently appears in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, indicating its broad applicability across different contexts. While effective, alternative phrases like "a reason why" or "an explanation for why" may offer more concise options. When employing "an answer as to why", it is beneficial to maintain a clear and direct writing style, avoiding unnecessary complexity. While suitable in many scenarios, consider whether a simpler phrasing might enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason why

More concise and direct.

an explanation for why

Focuses on clarifying the cause or rationale.

the reason for something

Emphasizes the underlying cause or justification.

the explanation for something

Stresses the need for clarification and understanding.

clarification regarding why

Highlights the act of making something clearer and easier to understand.

a justification for why

Implies a need to defend or support a decision or action.

the cause of something

Concentrates on the direct cause or origin of an event.

the rationale behind something

Focuses on the logical basis or reasoning behind an action.

the purpose of something

Highlights the intended aim or objective.

the motivation for something

Emphasizes the driving force or incentive behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "an answer as to why" in a sentence?

Use "an answer as to why" when you're seeking an explanation or reason for something. For example, "The customers demanded "an answer as to why" the product was faulty."

What are some alternatives to "an answer as to why"?

You can use phrases like "a reason why", "an explanation for why", or simply "the reason". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "an answer as to why" or "the reason why"?

Both "an answer as to why" and "the reason why" are grammatically correct, but "the reason why" can sometimes be more direct. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "an explanation for why" instead of "an answer as to why"?

"An explanation for why" is suitable when you want a detailed account or clarification, whereas ""an answer as to why"" is more general and can refer to any kind of response that provides a reason.