it explains why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it explains why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or provide background context to an earlier statement. For example, "The company no longer offers Saturday hours. It explains why business has been slow recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It explains why Republicans have been unable since its passage to come up with anything better.

The New York Times

"It explains why I'm not nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

It explains why we have a periodic table.

The New York Times

It explains why so many people have contempt for Washington".

The New York Times

It explains why Labour has stuck loyally to him.

The Guardian - Opinion

It explains why Bristol have fought so hard.

The Guardian - Sport

It explains why she's so good at undercover work.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It explains why you exist and what makes you unique.

Harvard Business Review

It explains why the amounts involved are so large.

The New York Times

Following this, it explains why difference equations result from digital control of analog systems.

Digital Control Engineering Analysis and Design

And it explains why risk-taking is admired and failure no disgrace.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it explains why" to smoothly connect a cause or reason to a consequence or observation. It's best used when the 'it' is already clearly defined in the preceding sentence or context.

Common error

Avoid using "it explains why" if the 'it' is ambiguous or hasn't been clearly established in the previous context. This can lead to confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it explains why" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement to its explanation. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English, serving to introduce the reason behind a given situation or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it explains why" is a versatile and grammatically sound connective used to introduce the reason behind a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, noting its function as a causal connector. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, showing its wide range of utility. Be mindful of the clarity of the 'it' to avoid ambiguity and use it confidently to link ideas effectively. While it is suitable for many contexts, consider alternatives when a more formal or nuanced expression is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that clarifies the reason

This alternative is more descriptive and emphasizes the clarifying aspect of the explanation.

this accounts for

This alternative is concise and suggests a comprehensive explanation.

that elucidates the rationale

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the reasoning behind something.

it sheds light on the cause

This alternative uses a metaphor to highlight the illuminating nature of the explanation.

this provides a reason for

This alternative is straightforward and directly states the provision of a reason.

the reason for this is

This alternative inverts the sentence structure, placing emphasis on the reason itself.

this is attributable to

This alternative implies causality, suggesting that something can be traced back to a specific cause.

hence the explanation for

This alternative uses a more formal connector ("hence") to introduce the explanation.

consequently, that clarifies

This alternative indicates a direct consequence that leads to clarification.

this is because

This alternative is more basic and directly states the reason.

FAQs

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

Use "it explains why" to connect a previously mentioned fact or situation to its cause or consequence. For example: "The store was closed early. It explains why there were no customers inside."

What are some alternatives to "it explains why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this accounts for", "that clarifies the reason", or "this provides a reason for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it explains why" formal or informal?

"It explains why" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "that elucidates the rationale".

What is the difference between "it explains why" and "this is because"?

"It explains why" connects back to a previous statement, providing the reason for it. "This is because" directly introduces the reason. For example: "Business is slow. It explains why the store is closing early" versus "The store is closing early. This is because business is slow".