and specifically why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and specifically why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for detailed reasons or explanations about a particular point or decision. Example: "I understand your concerns, but I would like you to elaborate on your thoughts, and specifically why you believe this approach will not work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

People ask me "why?" and specifically "why now?" After all, the Scottish referendum aside, it's no secret that we're living in times of abject political apathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, specifically, why couldn't Ireland be afforded the respect it deserves for packed galleries and top-class golf courses by being granted the hosting of such a tournament?

The Guardian - Sport

It's essentially a positioning piece to prepare the ground in advance of the launch of a new product, and specifically why certain experiments were done in a certain way.

The Guardian

Did he tell us who validated his plan and what top economists and key business people support it as a great long-term strategic plan that will get the job done and specifically why they believe it will work?

Huffington Post

To find out more about the exhibition and specifically why it matters right now, I spoke with meme-loving King's College London PhD student Ellie Jones, who has been working on Queer British Art alongside its curators.

Vice

Understanding the origins and macroecology of leprosy worldwide, and specifically why it declined in Europe, may help in the development of improved control strategies against the endemic worldwide leprosy of today.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is worth noting that there is no evident relationship between the extent of the anatomical damage, as shown by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, and symptoms: such variations in symptoms and, more specifically, why some patients have pain and others do not is a question that remains to be answered.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

But the question is this: how, and more specifically why, is it possible to shit up and around the rim of a toilet and, side-question, how does one shit up a wall?

Vice

And, more specifically, why exactly Metarey sent Corey to Dunleavy.

The New York Times - Books

And more specifically, why do we only see Nicky in plainclothes, in an apartment?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And more specifically, why do averages over an ensemble coincide with the values found in measurements performed on an actual physical system in equilibrium?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and specifically why" to introduce a more detailed question or explanation after a general statement. It helps to narrow the focus and request precise reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "reason" immediately after "why" as it can be redundant. Instead of saying "and specifically why reason", rephrase to "and specifically why" to keep your sentence concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and specifically why" serves as a conjunctive phrase that introduces a request for detailed or precise reasons following a general statement or question. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions to narrow the focus and prompt a more specific explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and specifically why" is a grammatically sound and usable conjunctive phrase that serves to introduce a request for detailed explanations following a general statement. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, noting its function in prompting specific reasons. While commonly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register suitable for various analytical discussions. To ensure clarity, avoid redundancy by omitting "reason" directly after "why" and leverage the phrase to seek precise justifications. Alternatives such as "and the precise reason" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and the precise reason

Emphasizes exactness and clarity in the explanation.

and the particular reason for

Highlights a specific cause or justification.

and the explicit rationale

Focuses on a clearly stated and logical explanation.

and the detailed explanation of why

Stresses a comprehensive and thorough account.

and the exact cause

Concentrates on identifying the precise factor that led to a certain outcome.

and the underlying justification

Emphasizes the fundamental reasons supporting a decision or action.

and the motivations behind

Focuses on the driving forces and intentions.

and the reasons in detail

Stresses thoroughness and comprehensiveness in the explanation.

and what the underlying reasons are

Emphasizes uncovering the fundamental causes or motivations.

and the what the direct reason is

Highlights immediacy and directness of the cause.

FAQs

How can I use "and specifically why" in a sentence?

Use "and specifically why" to request a detailed explanation or reason, following a general question or statement. For example, "I understand your concerns, and specifically why do you believe this approach won't work?"

What are some alternatives to "and specifically why"?

You can use alternatives such as "and the precise reason", "and the particular reason for", or "and the explicit rationale" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "and specifically why" in formal writing?

Yes, "and specifically why" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it serves to seek clarification and detailed reasoning.

What's the difference between "and specifically why" and "why specifically"?

"And specifically why" is used to introduce a more detailed question that follows a general statement or question. "Why specifically" places emphasis on the reason itself. For instance, "I need to know the reasons, and specifically why this was done." versus "Why specifically was this done?"