any explanation why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any explanation why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for clarification or reasons behind a certain situation or decision. Example: "I would appreciate any explanation why the project deadline was moved up unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I don't think it needs any explanation why it took her so long to understand the outrage over racial profiling -- she herself engaged in it," Mr. Sharpton said.

The New York Times

Although an individual may not 'draw a conjurer's circle around the whole matter' by refusing to provide any explanation why the information sought might be incriminating, United States v. Sullivan, 274 U.S. 259, 264, 47 S.Ct.

Cornell University

The Court approves the result in Jones, but it fails to give any explanation why the facts in Jones differ, in a fashion material to the Fourth Amendment, from the facts here.

Cornell University

"We never found any explanation why those drugs were in his desk at the police station," Covelli said.

Vice

I am not the only one who has had my transfer request denied and who faces the paradox of being held here without any explanation why.

Huffington Post

But TSA still did not provide any explanation why it had decided to revoke Adnan's security clearance in the first place.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Not only that, the vetting process would take place behind closed doors, and the appointments announced without any accompanying explanation why they had been made.

Huffington Post

If anyone has any explanation for why the Hall of Fame exists, I'm all ears.

The Guardian - Music

There have been no demands or ultimatums, or any explanation for why victims were targeted.

The Guardian

She was let go without any explanation for why she had been held.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sock didn't have any explanation for why his year had been disappointing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any explanation why", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are seeking an explanation for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using excessively wordy constructions around "any explanation why". For instance, instead of saying "Is there any possible explanation why...?", simply ask "Any explanation why...?" to maintain conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any explanation why" serves as an interrogative phrase. It's used to solicit a reason or clarification for a particular situation or decision, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples and linguistic assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any explanation why" functions as a direct and neutral way to request clarification or justification for an event or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clarifies what you're seeking an explanation for to avoid ambiguity. Remember to maintain conciseness and avoid redundant phrasing for effective communication. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "any explanation why" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any reason for

Focuses on the cause or justification for something, similar to seeking an explanation.

any justification for

Emphasizes the need for a valid reason or excuse.

any rationale for

Seeks the underlying logic or principles behind something.

what's the reason for

Directly asks for the cause or purpose.

what is the explanation for

A more formal way of asking for an explanation.

what accounts for

Asks what factors contribute to or cause a particular result.

is there a reason for

Inquires if there is a specific cause or motive.

what's the logic behind

Focuses on the reasoning and principles.

can you explain why

A direct request for someone to provide clarification.

what's the basis for

Asks about the foundation or justification for something.

FAQs

How can I use "any explanation why" in a sentence?

Use "any explanation why" to inquire about the reasons behind a particular event, decision, or situation. For example, "Any explanation why the meeting was canceled?"

What's a more formal way to ask for an explanation?

Instead of "any explanation why", you could ask, "what is the explanation for" or "what accounts for?" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "any explanation why"?

You can use alternatives like "any reason for", "what's the reason for", or "is there a reason for" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include a question mark after "any explanation why"?

Yes, "any explanation why" typically functions as an interrogative phrase, so a question mark is usually required to indicate that you are asking a question.