explanation why

USAGE SUMMARY

"explanation why" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an explanation of the reason something happened or the cause of something. For example: "Here is the explanation why the electricity went out during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These data may provide an explanation why salinomycin is able to kill migratory cancer stem cells.

Autophagy

No explanation why.

The Guardian - Opinion

He offered a novel explanation why.

The New York Times - Sports

"There was no explanation why," Ms. Nevins said.

The New York Times - Arts

And if you didn't believe Mr. Sokol's explanation, why did you relay his story?

The New York Times

His explanation why none of this had reached Mr. Thompson suggested an almost ritualized BBC bureaucracy.

The New York Times

Dr Evans and Dr Schamberg may have provided an important part of the explanation why.

The Economist

There was no explanation why the misunderstanding went uncorrected for two days.

The New York Times

That's the only reasonable explanation why you shot her in the head".

The New Yorker

But it needs proof from Vueling that it changed the flight times and an explanation why.

Independent

Indeed, economic woes provide the third explanation why disillusioned voters preferred him to the centre-left.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanation why", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are providing an explanation for. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using phrases that repeat the idea of explanation, such as "the explanation of why". Instead, simply state "the explanation why" followed by the reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanation why" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a detailed account or justification for a particular event, situation, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanation why" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that introduces the reasons or causes behind an event or situation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using "explanation why", ensure clarity and avoid redundancy in phrasing. Alternatives such as "reason for something" or "cause of something" can be used depending on the specific context. With a neutral register and frequent occurrence across authoritative sources, "explanation why" is a valuable tool for providing clear and concise explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reasons for this

A more direct and straightforward way of asking or stating the reasons.

reason for something

Focuses on the cause or justification for a particular event or situation.

cause of something

Highlights the direct agent or factor responsible for an outcome.

grounds for something

Emphasizes the basis or justification upon which a decision or action is founded.

the rationale behind something

Refers to the underlying logic or set of reasons that explain a course of action.

justification for something

Stresses the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

basis for something

Indicates the foundation or support for an idea, argument, or system.

the motive for this

Highlights the driving force or intention behind an action.

the purpose of this

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or function of something.

the story behind this

Emphasizes the narrative or sequence of events that explain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "explanation why" to introduce the reasons or causes behind an event or situation. For example, "The report provides an "explanation why" sales declined this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "explanation why"?

Some alternatives include "reason for something", "cause of something", or "rationale behind something", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "explanation why"?

Yes, "explanation why" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a reason or cause. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and concise to avoid redundancy.

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

"Explanation why" and "reason why" are often used interchangeably. However, "explanation why" may emphasize a more detailed account, while "reason why" simply points to the cause or justification.