an explanation as to why

USAGE SUMMARY

"an explanation as to why" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are looking to explain the reasoning behind something. For example: "I gave him an explanation as to why I had to cancel our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here is an explanation as to why that was.

The Guardian

AMY DAVIDSON: I still need an explanation as to why the maids of honor are preschoolers.

The New Yorker

"This provides an explanation as to why educational inequality in England persists".

The Guardian

Each advertisement offers an explanation as to why consumers should choose Sealy.

The New York Times

Can you at least give us an explanation as to why the cameras are off?

The Washington Post

It did not give an explanation as to why they had not been replaced.

The Guardian

They didn't offer an explanation as to why dogs relieve themselves in a north-south direction.

The Guardian - Tech

I'd like to start by asking you for an explanation as to why there are so many inconsistencies.

The Washington Post

We were struggling for over three hours to get an explanation as to why she had been refused a refund".

The Guardian - Money

Fans and shareholders both deserve an explanation as to why other shareholders were not approached to provide this loan.

The Guardian - Sport

The dead are each invited to sing an explanation as to why they should go to Heaven or to Hell.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification, be direct and specific in your request. For example, instead of vaguely asking for "an explanation as to why", specify the exact subject or decision you need clarified.

Common error

While "an explanation as to why" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "why" or "the reason" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explanation as to why" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the direct object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in requesting or providing reasons for actions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an explanation as to why" serves as a noun phrase used to request or provide reasoning behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. While versatile, it can sometimes sound overly formal for casual use. Alternatives such as "the reason for" or "justification for" may be more suitable in certain scenarios. When writing, remember to be direct in your request and provide specific information for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed explanation of

Emphasizes the need for a thorough and comprehensive understanding.

a reason for

Focuses on providing the cause or motive behind something, omitting the need for detailed clarification.

an account of why

Focuses on giving a detailed report or description of the reasons behind something.

the rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical or philosophical basis for a decision or action.

the basis of

Highlights the foundation or underlying principles of something.

the justification for

Highlights the moral or legal reasons supporting an action or belief.

the grounds for

Refers to the fundamental reasons or evidence that something is based on.

the purpose of

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or objective of an action or decision.

a clarification regarding

Suggests a need for making something clearer and easier to understand, shifting the focus to improved comprehension.

the story of why

Suggests a narrative or recounting of events that explains the reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "an explanation as to why" when seeking a reason or justification for something. For instance, "The customer requested "an explanation as to why" their order was delayed".

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

Alternatives include "the reason for", "the rationale behind", or "a justification for". Each subtly shifts the emphasis but serves a similar purpose.

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

While both are acceptable, "the reason why" can sometimes be more direct. "An explanation as to why" is often used when a more detailed or formal clarification is required.

What is the difference between "reason" and "explanation"?

"Reason" typically refers to a cause or justification, while "explanation" involves providing details to make something understandable. Therefore, seeking "an explanation as to why" often implies a need for more than just the basic cause.