that was why

USAGE SUMMARY

"that was why" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to explain the reason for or to support the validity of something previously stated. For example, "I was unable to make it to the meeting; that was why I sent my apology earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was why she'd called.

The New York Times

That was why she'd waited.

The New Yorker

That was why he had married her.

The New Yorker

That was why he left Mexico".

The New Yorker

That was why Arsenal succumbed on Saturday.

Independent

That was why they complained to M.L.B.

The New York Times - Sports

That was why we were there.

The New Yorker

That was why you had left India.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's why.

The New York Times

That's why that was so emotional.

The New York Times

That's why I watch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was why" to clearly connect a cause and its effect in your writing, ensuring a smooth flow of information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that was why" in very short or simple sentences where a more concise connector like "so" or "therefore" would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was why" serves as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement with its reason or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It provides a clear and direct way to indicate cause-and-effect relationships in writing and speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was why" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acts as a causal connector. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in explaining cause-and-effect relationships. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While effective for clarity, avoid overuse in simple sentences where more concise connectors might be preferable. Alternative phrases like "therefore" or "consequently" can offer stylistic variation. Mastering the proper usage of "that was why" enhances the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the reason why

Slightly more emphatic by explicitly stating 'the reason'.

that is the reason

More formal and direct by clarifying the reason.

hence

A concise and formal way to express cause and effect.

therefore

Indicates a logical conclusion or result.

consequently

Highlights the result or effect of a preceding action or event.

that explains it

Indicates that something has become clear or understandable.

that's the explanation

More direct and emphasizes the explanatory nature.

thus

A formal word to introduce a statement that follows logically from the previous one.

as a result

Emphasizes the consequence of an action or event.

for this reason

Specifically points to a reason as the cause.

FAQs

How can I use "that was why" in a sentence?

Use "that was why" to introduce the reason or explanation for a previous statement. For example, "The meeting was postponed; that was why I didn't attend".

What phrases are similar to "that was why"?

You can use phrases like "that's the reason why", "therefore", or "consequently" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that was why"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "that was why" is a common and acceptable way to explain the reason behind something.

When should I use "that was why" instead of "because"?

"That was why" is typically used to start a new sentence to explain the previous one, while "because" is used within the same sentence to provide a reason. For example, "I was late. That was why I missed the start" versus "I was late because the traffic was heavy".