examining why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examining why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or motivations behind a particular situation, action, or phenomenon. Example: "In this study, we are examining why certain species adapt better to climate change than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Keep a daily diary examining why these stories made front-page news.

The New York Times

When she loses there, or anywhere at this point, it's worth examining why.

The New Yorker

But if her individualist feminism doesn't rattle cages, it's worth examining why.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're not sitting down and really examining why we're taking certain stances.

The Guardian - Books

"And my committee is closely examining why FEMA's estimates changed at the 11th hour," he said.

The New York Times

The study also explored the high costs of water access, examining why the poorest communities often foot the largest bill.

The Guardian

The inquiry into ZZ46 is examining why he did not try to get an address for the Hutchinson-Foster.

The Guardian

Not long ago, the Times of London published an article examining "why everyone wants to be Danish".

The New Yorker

This was a key finding of the poll recently published by Jon Cruddas, examining why Labour lost the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dialogue started with examining why they had not done more business and evolved into how that could change.

The New York Times - Sports

Proof may be found in research just released by the Irish government, examining why voters rejected the Lisbon treaty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more formal alternatives like "investigating the reasons" in academic or professional writing for enhanced clarity and precision.

Common error

While "examining why" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "finding out why" or "seeing why" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examining why" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a subject complement or part of a larger verbal phrase. It introduces the purpose of an inquiry or investigation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to set the stage for an explanation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "examining why" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce an investigation into the reasons or causes behind a particular subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news articles and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly informal settings. To enhance writing, be clear about the subject being investigated and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts. The phrase's prevalence across reputable sources confirms its acceptability and broad applicability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating why

This alternative uses a different verb with a similar meaning but slightly more formal tone.

analyzing the reasons

This phrase focuses on a more in-depth and structured investigation of the reasons.

exploring the causes

This alternative emphasizes the search for the underlying causes of a situation.

determining the rationale

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the logical basis for something.

understanding the reasons

This alternative focuses on achieving comprehension rather than a formal investigation.

looking into the matter

This phrase is more informal and suggests a preliminary investigation.

finding out why

This alternative is very direct and focuses on the act of discovery.

considering the explanations

This phrase implies a careful evaluation of different possible explanations.

assessing the motives

This alternative is used when the subject of the inquiry is a person or entity and their incentives.

unraveling the mystery

This phrasing introduces a sense of complexity to the inquiry, suggesting difficulty or hidden factors.

FAQs

What does "examining why" mean?

The phrase "examining why" means to investigate or inquire into the reasons or causes behind a particular situation, event, or phenomenon. It implies a process of careful and detailed analysis.

What are some alternatives to "examining why"?

You can use alternatives such as "investigating why", "analyzing the reasons", or "exploring the causes" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "examining why"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Examining" functions as a gerund, and "why" introduces a clause indicating the reason or cause. However, ensure the context supports the gerund form and the implied inquiry.

How can I use "examining why" effectively in a sentence?

Use "examining why" to introduce an explanation or investigation of a topic. For example, "The study is examining why certain economic policies are more effective than others" or "Let's spend some time examining why we are seeing these unexpected results."