explain why

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain why" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a justification or reason for a particular statement or action. For example: "Please explain why you think this decision is the right one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Two statistics explain why.

The Economist

I'll explain why later.

The New York Times

I can't explain why.

Independent

Demography helps explain why.

The Economist

The numbers explain why.

The Economist

Our correspondents explain why.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This chapter explains why.

Advances in Wind Turbine Blade Design and Materials

An anecdote explains why.

The Economist

Dr. Helft explained why.

The New York Times

And I explained why.

The New Yorker

He explained why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain why" in your writing, ensure that the explanation directly addresses the question or statement it follows. Avoid ambiguity by providing clear and concise reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "explain why" as a mere placeholder. Always provide a substantive explanation; otherwise, consider rephrasing the sentence to be more direct or specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain why" functions as an imperative request or an interrogative prompt, urging the speaker or writer to provide a reason or justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain why" is a versatile and commonly used expression to solicit reasons or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. Its frequency is classified as common, and it finds primary application in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, its suitability varies depending on the formality of the setting. Alternatives include "clarify the reason why" and "provide a justification for", each offering subtle nuances in tone and emphasis. Remember to provide sufficient context when using "explain why" to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the reason why

This alternative replaces "explain" with "clarify" and adds "the reason", emphasizing the need for clear understanding.

give the reasons for

This option uses a more formal tone by replacing "explain" with "give the reasons".

provide a justification for

Using "provide a justification" is more appropriate in formal or professional contexts, highlighting the need for a rationale.

detail the cause of

This phrase focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, suitable when the focus is on the origin of something.

spell out the rationale behind

This alternative adds emphasis and is more descriptive, suggesting a thorough explanation.

elucidate the factors influencing

This phrase introduces a more sophisticated vocabulary and focuses on the influential factors.

account for the circumstances

This alternative places emphasis on the circumstances leading to an event or decision.

break down the logic of

Using this phrase conveys a sense of simplifying a complex situation into more understandable components.

analyze the contributing elements to

This alternative is formal and appropriate when doing detailed or scientific investigation.

illuminate the motivation for

This phrase emphasizes clarifying the underlying motives behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How do I use "explain why" in a sentence?

You can use "explain why" to ask for a reason or justification. For example, "Can you explain why you made that decision?" or "Explain why this approach is better".

What are some alternatives to "explain why"?

Alternatives to "explain why" include "clarify the reason why", "provide a justification for", or "detail the cause of".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "explain why"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "explain why" can sound abrupt. It's often better to phrase it as a question or statement. For example, instead of "Explain why this is important", try "Can you explain why this is important?"

What's the difference between "explain why" and "give reasons for"?

"Explain why" is a more general phrase, while "give the reasons for" suggests a more detailed or formal explanation. They are often interchangeable, but context can influence the best choice.