please explain why

USAGE SUMMARY

"please explain why" is a correctly structured phrase suitable for use in written English.
You could use it to ask a person to provide an explanation for something, such as "Please explain why you would like to be considered for this position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can someone please explain why?

The Guardian - Tech

Please explain why or why not.

The Washington Post

Someone, please explain why we are kept from doing this.

The New York Times - Travel

Please explain why there are more television commercials that feature fathers and daughters.

The New York Times

Can you please explain why the big fuss over that model Agyness Deyn?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By this logic, could someone please explain why I need to swear allegiance to the Queen?

The Guardian - Opinion

E: M, please explain why orange lipstick is a "thing" this year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please explain why the richest Americans should pay the lowest taxes.

The New York Times

Could you please explain why Uranus is laying/spinning on its side?

Cornell University

always/mostly/sometimes/never If you think it is important to read the original paper please explain why?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Is it likely to be the same this year and could you please explain why this is?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To make the request more specific, clearly state the subject or situation to which you're seeking an explanation immediately after the phrase. For example, "Please explain why this decision was made."

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "please explain why" in exceptionally formal or academic writing might sound slightly repetitive. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms or rephrasing for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please explain why" functions as an interrogative expression used to politely and directly request an explanation for a particular situation, decision, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common and grammatically sound way to seek clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please explain why" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile interrogative expression used to politely request clarification or justification. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for written English and is frequently used across diverse contexts. The analysis reveals its common usage in news, science, and academic settings, indicating its broad applicability. While generally acceptable, writers should consider varying their phrasing in highly formal contexts to avoid repetition. Overall, "please explain why" serves as an effective means of seeking information and promoting understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you clarify the rationale?

Similar in purpose but uses 'clarify' and 'rationale' for a slightly different emphasis.

I'd appreciate an explanation as to why...

More formal and indirect, expressing appreciation in advance.

I'm not clear on why, could you explain?

Starts by stating a lack of understanding before requesting an explanation.

Could you elucidate the reason?

More formal and uses the word 'elucidate' instead of 'explain'.

Explain the reason, if you would.

More polite and somewhat old-fashioned.

What's the reason behind this?

Focuses on the 'reason' rather than the explanation itself.

What's the explanation for this?

More direct and less polite than the original phrase.

Can you give me the reasons for this?

More direct and asks for multiple reasons.

Why is that, can you elaborate?

Breaks the request into two parts, asking 'why' and then requesting elaboration.

I'm curious to know why.

Expresses curiosity and implies a request for explanation.

FAQs

How do you use "please explain why" in a sentence?

You can use "please explain why" to politely request an explanation. For instance, "Please explain why this decision was made" or "Please explain why the experiment failed".

What are some alternatives to "please explain why"?

Alternatives include more formal options like "Could you elucidate the reason?", or more direct phrases such as "What's the explanation for this?" You can also use phrases like "Can you clarify the rationale?".

Is "please explain why" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "please explain why" is generally suitable for formal writing, but in highly formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "I would appreciate an explanation as to why" or "Could you elucidate the reason?".

What's the difference between "please explain why" and "why is that"?

"Please explain why" is a direct and polite request for an explanation. "Why is that?" is a more casual inquiry that may or may not be followed by a request for a detailed explanation. It can also be used rhetorically.