maybe that's why

USAGE SUMMARY

"maybe that's why" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
Example: Maybe that's why I couldn't find my keys this morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe that's why Theo's got nine goals".

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe that's why Pavel Tchelitchew's "Hide and Seek" is absent.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe that's why I gravitate toward Lisa's story.

The New York Times

"Maybe that's why I told.

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe that's why it worked".

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe that's why his hand was shaking.

The New York Times

Maybe that's why they kicked me out.

The New Yorker

Maybe that's why I like playing men".

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe that's why he kept silent yesterday.

The New Yorker

Maybe that's why I fought with Sean".

The New Yorker

Maybe that's why they're so long.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maybe that's why", ensure the context provides sufficient background information for the reader to understand what the 'that' refers to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity in your explanation.

Common error

While "maybe that's why" is acceptable in informal contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more direct and authoritative causal connectors like "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe that's why" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement or observation to a possible explanation or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its role in establishing a speculative connection. It serves to introduce an inference or a hypothesis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Maybe that's why" is a very common phrase functioning as a causal connector, primarily used to introduce a speculative explanation or reason. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad application. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When writing, use it to suggest plausible explanations, but avoid overuse in formal contexts where direct causal connectors are more appropriate. Alternative phrases such as "perhaps that explains it" or "that could be the reason" can provide variation. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for expressing tentative causality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps that explains it

Replaces "maybe" with "perhaps" and rephrases "that's why" into a more explanatory statement.

that could be the reason

Offers a slightly more tentative explanation by suggesting a possible reason.

that might account for it

Indicates that something could explain a situation, providing a formal alternative.

it could be attributed to that

Suggests that a particular cause is responsible for a certain effect, offering a formal tone.

that's possibly the explanation

Emphasizes the possibility of an explanation, making it less assertive than "that's why".

it's conceivable that this is the cause

Introduces a more theoretical possibility as the cause, making it a softer claim.

that could clarify the situation

Suggests something might bring understanding and resolution, differing slightly from direct causality.

that potentially elucidates the issue

Highlights how something reveals further knowledge about a topic, providing further insight.

it may shed light on the matter

Indicates that something may clarify or reveal more details, offering a tentative link.

that ostensibly rationalizes it

Points towards something seemingly providing a justification, focusing on a superficial explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "maybe that's why" in a sentence?

"Maybe that's why" is used to suggest a possible reason or explanation for something. For example, "The store was closed when we arrived. "Maybe that's why" there were so few people around".

What are some alternatives to "maybe that's why"?

You can use alternatives such as "perhaps that explains it", "that could be the reason", or "that might account for it" to express similar ideas with slight variations in tone.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "maybe that's why"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "maybe that's why". It's commonly used to introduce a speculative explanation following a previous statement.

What's the difference between "maybe that's why" and "that's why"?

"Maybe that's why" suggests uncertainty or speculation about a reason, while "that's why" indicates a more definitive or confident statement of cause and effect.