explain why that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain why that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify the reasoning behind a statement or action. Example: "Can you explain why that decision was made during the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can't explain why that is.

The New Yorker

We explain why that was the case.

The Guardian

Can you explain why that is true?

The Guardian

And so, let me explain why that is.

Yale University

Can you explain why that makes you "hopeful"?

The New York Times

It is hard for me to explain why that is.

The Washington Post

The study also helps explain why that might be.

The New York Times - Health

Can you explain why that is and how it feels?

The Washington Post

Can you help explain why that mastery is so important?

Harvard Business Review

We explain why that leads to unsatisfactory results and how it can be corrected.

Journal of Computational Physics

I'll talk to them and I'll explain why that didn't work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain why that" to directly request clarification on a specific point. This phrasing is suitable for situations where a clear and concise explanation is needed.

Common error

While "explain why that" is acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "elucidate the rationale behind that" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain why that" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to solicit a reason or justification for a preceding statement, action, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain why that" is a versatile and common interrogative phrase used to seek clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives exist for specific situations. Its frequent appearance in news, academic, and scientific sources underscores its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the explanation for that?

Frames the request as seeking a specific explanation.

clarify the reason for that

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making the reason more understandable.

what's the reasoning behind that?

Focuses on the logical thought process or rationale.

give a reason for that

A more direct and straightforward way of asking for an explanation.

justify that

Emphasizes the need to provide a valid justification or defense for something.

what are the causes for that?

Directly seeks the underlying causes or factors.

elucidate why that is

Uses a more formal tone to request a detailed explanation.

account for that

Asks for a comprehensive explanation that covers all relevant aspects.

shed light on why that happened

Suggests uncovering hidden or unclear reasons.

walk me through that

Requests a step-by-step explanation of the process or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "explain why that" in a sentence?

You can use "explain why that" to request clarification or justification. For example: "Can you explain why that decision was made?" or "Could you explain why that result occurred?"

What are some alternatives to "explain why that"?

Alternatives include "clarify the reason for that", "justify that", or "give a reason for that". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "explain why that" formal or informal?

"Explain why that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "elucidate" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How does "explain why that" differ from "what is the reason for that"?

"Explain why that" directly requests an explanation, while "what is the reason for that?" is a more general inquiry about the underlying cause. They are often interchangeable, but "explain why that" might be more suitable when addressing a specific action or statement.