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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it is then why
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it is then why" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to connect a statement with a reason, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "If it is true, then why did it happen?"
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
that is why
this is why
the reason is
therefore
consequently
as a result
this is because
this is the reason why
therefore it is
for this reason
the reason is that
hence it follows that
it follows that
this is the reason
it is during that time that
it is then however
it fails then when
it is then during
at that point
it is consequently when
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
But if it is, then why not torture too?
News & Media
If suicide is a symptom of depression (it is), then why do more women suffer depression than men?
News & Media
If it's bad for Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam to finance the LSE – which it is – then why is it all right for Libya's corporate partner, BP, to partner the British Museum too?
News & Media
If it is, then why is the head chopped off?
News & Media
If it is then why not start with 5 minutes and see how it goes.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
And if it was, then: why?
News & Media
If you don't believe, if you're just peddling snake oil as it were, then why should they believe you?
Wiki
The question is then, why?
Science
It is then clear why the use of currents with finite mass becomes unavoidable even to give the basic definitions.
So if it's not the easy A I thought it was going to be, then why do I love it so much?
News & Media
And if there was, then why did it die out?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "it is then why" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and grammatically correct alternatives such as "that is why" or "this is the reason why".
Common error
The incorrect use of "it is then why" often stems from a misunderstanding of how to properly connect ideas. Ensure that you're using conjunctions and adverbs in their correct positions to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. For example, prefer "That is why it happened" instead of the ambiguous phrase.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it is then why" functions as an attempt to link a statement with its justification, however, it does so in an ungrammatical manner. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as incorrect, suggesting a need for restructuring to convey the intended meaning effectively.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Wiki
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it is then why" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase often intends to connect a statement with its reason but does so improperly. Although it appears across various sources, including news and wikis, clearer alternatives like "that is why" or "this is the reason why" are preferable. To maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy, restructure your sentences to use correct conjunctions and adverbs.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that is why
This is a direct replacement focusing on stating the reason for something.
this is the reason why
More explicit version of "that is why", emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.
that's the reason
An informal equivalent of "that is why", indicating causation.
therefore it is
This expresses a logical conclusion based on previous statements, flipping the order.
for this reason
Indicates that what follows is a consequence of a preceding fact or situation.
the reason is that
Shifts the focus to introducing the explanation or justification.
hence it follows that
A more formal way to indicate a logical deduction.
consequently, it is
Highlights that what follows is a result of something already stated.
as a result, it is
Similar to "consequently", emphasizing the outcome or effect.
it follows that
Indicates a logical conclusion drawn from preceding information.
FAQs
How can I correct the phrase "it is then why" in a sentence?
Replace "it is then why" with clearer alternatives such as "that is why", "this is why", or "the reason is" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.
What are some formal alternatives to "it is then why"?
In formal writing, consider using phrases like "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result" instead of "it is then why" to maintain a professional tone.
Is "it is then why" grammatically correct?
No, "it is then why" is not grammatically correct. It's better to restructure your sentence to use phrases like "that is why" or "this is because" to convey the intended meaning.
In what contexts is "it is then why" most likely to be used?
While "it is then why" may appear in informal contexts, it's generally advisable to avoid it in formal or professional writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives, regardless of the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested