explains why

USAGE SUMMARY

"explains why" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to explain the reason why something is the way it is. For example: The high temperatures this summer explains why the ice cream sales were so high.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This chapter explains why.

Advances in Wind Turbine Blade Design and Materials

An anecdote explains why.

The Economist

Libya's history explains why.

The New York Times

Relative measurement theory explains why.

Measurement

This talk explains why.

Cornell University

Ellen Dissanayake explains why.

University of California, Berkeley

Cisse Mahamadou explains why.

The Guardian

Mr Wilson's analysis explains why.

The Economist

Arana's biography explains why.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two statistics explain why.

The Economist

Dr. Helft explained why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explains why" to clearly connect a cause and its effect, enhancing the logical flow of your writing. For example, "The study explains why this method is more effective."

Common error

Avoid using "explains why" after phrases like "the reason is because", as it creates redundancy. Instead, choose either "The reason is..." or "...explains why".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains why" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or situation to its underlying cause or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explains why" serves as a critical tool for establishing clear causal relationships in writing. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, notably in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it's essential to avoid redundancy by not pairing it with phrases like "the reason is because". For alternatives, consider "gives the reason why" or "clarifies the reason for", depending on the desired nuance. Using "explains why" effectively enhances the logical coherence and clarity of your writing by directly linking causes to their effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives the reason why

Focuses more explicitly on providing a reason.

clarifies the reason for

Emphasizes the act of making the reason more understandable.

elucidates the cause of

Offers a more formal and detailed explanation of the cause.

shows the rationale behind

Highlights the logical basis or justification.

details the factors of

Provides a comprehensive list of contributing elements.

outlines the motivation for

Specifies the underlying drive or purpose.

reveals the grounds for

Uncovers the basis or justification.

accounts for the fact that

Provides an explanation that makes something understandable.

justifies the occurrence of

Offers reasons to defend or validate an event.

interprets the origins of

Explains the source or beginning from a particular perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "explains why" to introduce the reason or cause behind a particular situation or phenomenon. For instance, "The data "explains why" there's been an increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to using "explains why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gives the reason why", "clarifies the reason for", or "elucidates the cause of". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "explains why"?

Yes, "explains why" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing. It serves as a clear and direct way to introduce an explanation.

What is the difference between "explains why" and "the reason is"?

"Explains why" directly connects a cause to an effect, while "the reason is" introduces a statement that provides the cause. For example, "The research "explains why" the policy failed" versus "The reason the policy failed is...".