theory as to why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theory as to why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a hypothesis or explanation regarding a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "The researchers presented a theory as to why the experiment yielded unexpected results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has a theory as to why.

The Guardian - Sport

But his theory as to why differs from most.

The New York Times - Sports

MacDowell has a credible theory as to why she's still reading good scripts.

Independent

He has a different theory as to why so few Britons sign on in Poland.

The Guardian

Coach Kevin Constantine had a theory as to why the Devils collapsed tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

But French-Canadian literature rarely crosses over to English-language readers — and McCambridge has a theory as to why.

The New Yorker

There are mysterious, unintelligible reasons of high finance and economic theory as to why this is impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had a theory as to why: "They're just happy to have other people in the water".

The New York Times

Do you have a theory as to why all great burger chains can't seem to expand beyond a regional presence?

The New Yorker

But here he doesn't expect to succeed, and as with most societal attitudes that contradict his intuitions, he's got a theory as to why.

The New York Times - Magazine

Asked to hazard a theory as to why providers are more likely to advise certain populations of women about emergency contraception, Dr. Martinez refused.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theory as to why", ensure that you are presenting a reasoned and plausible explanation, rather than a mere guess or assumption. Support your theory with evidence whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid using "theory as to why" when referring to well-established facts or definitive answers. Reserve it for situations where genuine uncertainty and multiple possible explanations exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theory as to why" functions as a noun phrase, introducing a proposed explanation or hypothesis for a particular phenomenon or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "theory as to why" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to introduce a proposed explanation or hypothesis. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to present a reasoned argument or interpretation, inviting consideration. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal writing. To ensure correct usage, reserve "theory as to why" for situations with genuine uncertainty and support it with evidence whenever possible. Alternatives include "explanation for why" or "reason for why". In summary, understanding the nuances of "theory as to why" will help you communicate your ideas with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanation for why

Focuses on providing an explanation rather than a formal theory.

reason for why

Highlights the reason or cause behind something, instead of a comprehensive theory.

hypothesis regarding why

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the explanation, similar to a theory but often less developed.

possible explanation for

Offers a potential but unconfirmed explanation.

speculation about why

Indicates a more informal and less substantiated explanation.

rationale behind

Highlights the logical basis or justification for something.

conjecture on why

Suggests a guess or inference based on incomplete information.

theorizing about the reason why

Emphasizes the act of creating a theory.

proposed mechanism for

Suggests a specific process or system that explains the occurrence.

the why behind

More colloquial way of asking for the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "theory as to why" in a sentence?

Use "theory as to why" to introduce a possible explanation for an event or situation. For example: "The scientist presented a "theory as to why" the dinosaurs became extinct."

What's a good alternative to "theory as to why"?

Alternatives include "explanation for why", "reason for why", or "hypothesis regarding why". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality.

Is it better to say "theory of why" or "theory as to why"?

"Theory as to why" is generally preferred over "theory of why" in modern English, although both can be understood. "Theory as to why" explicitly indicates the direction of the theory towards an explanation.

What is the difference between "theory as to why" and "speculation about why"?

A ""theory as to why"" implies a more reasoned and structured explanation, often with some supporting evidence. "Speculation about why" suggests a more informal guess or conjecture, typically lacking strong evidence.