this is why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is why' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the reason for something that has just been stated. For example, "The emergency exit is located at the back of the airplane. This is why it's important to familiarize yourself with the layout of the cabin before takeoff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is why.

Independent

This is why we race".

The New York Times - Sports

This is why we're great.

The New York Times

This is why I write.

The New Yorker

This is why they fight.

The New Yorker

This is why it hurts.

The New York Times

This is why the I.D.F.

The New Yorker

This is why I teach".

Independent

"This is why panto survives.

Independent

This is why it works.

The New York Times

This is why we scan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is why" to clearly connect a statement with its explanation, ensuring the relationship between cause and effect is immediately apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this is why" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "therefore", "hence", or "consequently" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is why" functions as a causal connector, linking a previous statement to its explanation or cause. Ludwig AI confirms its role in establishing cause-and-effect relationships, similar to examples found in the provided text snippets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is why" is a grammatically sound and frequently used causal connector. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to link a statement with its explanation, finding its primary usage in News & Media. While alternatives exist for more formal contexts, "this is why" offers a clear and direct way to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its reliability. When writing with "this is why", make sure you are setting up a causal relationship with a preceding statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's why

A more concise and informal alternative.

for this reason

A more formal and direct substitute.

this is the reason

A slightly more elaborate and emphatic version.

therefore

A single-word formal alternative.

that is the reason why

Adds a little more emphasis to the original statement.

hence

A formal synonym, often used in academic or legal writing.

consequently

Implies a logical result or inference.

as a result

Emphasizes the outcome or effect of a preceding action or event.

the explanation is

Shifts the focus to providing an explanation.

it follows that

Implies a logical deduction or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "this is why" in a sentence?

Use "this is why" to introduce the explanation or reason for a previous statement. For instance, "The experiment failed; this is why we need to revise our methodology."

What are some alternatives to "this is why"?

You can use alternatives such as "that's why", "for this reason", or "therefore" depending on the formality of the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is why"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is why", especially when it follows a previous statement that requires explanation. However, be mindful of overusing it.

What's the difference between "this is why" and "because"?

"This is why" introduces the effect or result, while "because" introduces the cause or reason. For example, "We failed the test; this is why we need to study harder" (result) vs. "We failed the test because we didn't study hard enough" (reason).