articulate why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "articulate why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to express or explain the reasons behind a particular opinion or action. Example: "In your essay, make sure to articulate why you believe this policy is necessary for our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And they cannot articulate why.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He seems not quite able to articulate why he'd want to be mayor.

The New Yorker

When he did disavow Duke, he failed to articulate why the Klan's white nationalism was wrong.

The Guardian

We all know Philip Seymour Hoffman is a lock, but no one can articulate why.

The New York Times

"I couldn't quite articulate why certain things felt off to me," she writes via email.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Wang, a soft-spoken man, was not entirely able to articulate why he was so wantonly defying the authorities.

The New York Times

Simply having to articulate why you believe what you do can also end up changing your attitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

At that point, do an assessment so that you can articulate why you may no longer want the job.

The New York Times

They are largely ignored by those on the home front, who cannot even articulate why they are there.

The New York Times

The essay will play a role, as he will need to articulate why he wants to explore other educational options.

The New York Times

2. Cole's accent is striking, but I doubt you could find many Americans who could articulate why.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "articulate why", ensure you provide specific and clear reasoning rather than vague generalizations. For instance, instead of saying "I dislike the policy," articulate why you dislike it by providing concrete examples and explanations.

Common error

While "articulate why" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "explain why" or "say why" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "articulate why" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adverb, serving to introduce an explanation or reason. It prompts for a clear and coherent expression of underlying causes or motivations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "articulate why" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that prompts for a clear explanation of reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best suited for formal communication where a thorough and well-reasoned explanation is required. Remember to avoid overuse in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. By providing specific and clear reasoning, you can effectively use "articulate why" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the reason why

Adds redundancy by explicitly stating "the reason", which can be useful for emphasis in certain contexts.

clarify the reasons for

Focuses on making the reasons clearer or easier to understand, rather than simply stating them.

elucidate the rationale behind

More formal and emphasizes a deeper, more reasoned explanation.

spell out the motives for

Suggests a need for very clear and detailed explanation of the underlying motives.

detail the justification for

Implies a more formal and structured explanation, often used when defending a decision or action.

express the grounds for

Highlights the fundamental basis or foundation upon which something is based.

give an account of why

Focuses on providing a narrative or descriptive explanation.

state the purpose of

Centers on defining the intended result or aim of something.

disclose the basis for

Suggests revealing previously unknown or unstated reasons.

communicate the why

Emphasizes the act of conveying the reason to someone else, focusing on the communication aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "articulate why" in a sentence?

You can use "articulate why" when you want someone to clearly express the reasons behind something. For example, "The report should articulate why the new strategy is necessary."

What can I say instead of "articulate why"?

You can use alternatives like "explain why", "clarify the reasons for", or "elucidate the rationale behind" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "articulate why" or "explain why"?

"Articulate why" is generally more formal than "explain why". "Articulate" suggests a more thorough and sophisticated expression of reasoning.

When is it appropriate to use "articulate why" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, business reports, or any situation where you need a clear, well-reasoned explanation. Avoid using "articulate why" in casual conversation or informal emails to prevent sounding overly stiff.