it is not clear why

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not clear why" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express that there is something that is not easy to understand or explain. For example: "It is not clear why the building has been evacuated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not clear why.

The Economist

Hague says it is not clear why.

The Guardian

It is not clear why the truce failed.

The Economist

It is not clear why he did this.

The New Yorker

It is not clear why this should be.

The Economist

It is not clear why this exhibit can't do that.

The New Yorker

It is not clear why he left, Mr. Lynch said.

The New York Times

It is not clear why that did not happen.

The New York Times

It is not clear why work has not been completed.

The Guardian

Again, it is not clear why these variations occur.

The Guardian

If he did enter Afghanistan, it is not clear why.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not clear why" to introduce a question or point of uncertainty in your writing. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight a gap in understanding or explain a situation where the reasons are unknown.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it is not clear why", as this can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by rephrasing some sentences to improve flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not clear why" functions as an introductory clause that signals a lack of understanding or a reason that is not readily apparent. It sets the stage for further investigation or explanation. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to express uncertainty across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not clear why" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a statement of uncertainty or a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While alternatives exist to add nuance or vary sentence structure, this phrase remains a straightforward and effective way to highlight gaps in knowledge. When employing this phrase, be mindful of overuse in consecutive sentences and consider rephrasing for improved readability. The frequency and authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Economist, underscore its importance in expressing uncertainty across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unclear why

Replaces "clear" with "unclear" maintaining the same meaning with a slightly different tone.

the reason is not clear

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the "reason" rather than the general clarity.

it remains uncertain why

Emphasizes the continuing state of uncertainty, adding a sense of duration.

the explanation is lacking

Focuses on the absence of a sufficient explanation.

it's difficult to understand why

Highlights the difficulty in comprehending the reason.

the cause is unknown

Directly states that the cause of something is not known.

the rationale is obscure

Uses more formal language to indicate that the underlying rationale is not easily understood.

we don't understand why

Shifts the perspective to a first-person plural, indicating a collective lack of understanding.

the logic is elusive

Implies that the logical reasoning behind something is hard to grasp.

it is enigmatic why

Uses "enigmatic" to suggest that the reason is mysterious and puzzling.

FAQs

What does "it is not clear why" mean?

The phrase "it is not clear why" indicates that the reason or explanation for something is unknown or uncertain. It highlights a lack of understanding about a particular situation or event.

How can I use "it is not clear why" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not clear why" to introduce a statement of uncertainty. For example, "It is not clear why the project was delayed", indicates that the reasons for the delay are unknown.

What are some alternatives to "it is not clear why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is unclear why", "the reason is not clear", or "the cause is unknown", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is not clear why" formal or informal?

"It is not clear why" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase that can be used in academic papers, news articles, and casual conversations.