this was why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was why" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the reason or explanation for something that has just been mentioned. Example: The athlete's grueling training regimen left her exhausted, sore, and doubting her abilities. This was why she was shocked when she broke the world record in her event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was why I came to Portland.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps this was why Albanians liked him.

The Economist

This was why the Davidians wouldn't leave.

The New Yorker

Maybe, he thought, this was why.

The New York Times

This was why they had come.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was why Elias was fuming.

The New York Times - Sports

This was why tactical voting increased between 1992 and 1997.

The Economist

This was why Annie had all but stopped growing.

The New Yorker

This was why the colonel played up the heavy artillery.

The New York Times

This was why he was so angry with the Observer.

The Guardian

Maybe this was why Greenfeld was obsessed with his maps.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was why" to clearly and directly introduce an explanation or the cause of a situation immediately after stating the effect or outcome.

Common error

Ensure the "this" in "this was why" has a clear and immediate reference. Avoid ambiguity by making sure the preceding statement directly relates to the reason you are about to introduce.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was why" functions as a causal connective, linking a preceding statement to its reason or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce the cause of a previously mentioned effect or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was why" is a grammatically sound and frequently used causal connector that introduces the explanation or cause of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "that is why" and "that's the reason why". To use it effectively, ensure that the "this" has a clear and immediate reference to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, it's important to select the most appropriate causal connector for the context to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the reason why

Replaces "this" with "that's", emphasizing a more direct causal relationship.

that is why

A more formal version, replacing the contraction.

the reason for this was

Inverts the structure, placing the reason before the result.

this is the reason

Emphasizes the reason more directly.

hence the reason

Uses "hence" to indicate a logical consequence.

that explains why

Shifts the focus to explanation rather than direct causation.

this accounts for why

Suggests that something provides a sufficient explanation.

the explanation for this is

Formally introduces the explanation.

consequently

Offers a more concise, single-word causal connector.

as a result

Highlights the outcome of a preceding action or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "this was why" to introduce the explanation or cause of a situation described in the preceding sentence. For example, "The company's profits declined sharply. This was why they decided to restructure."

What are some alternatives to "this was why"?

You can use alternatives like "that is why", "that's the reason why", or "as a result" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this was why" when it follows a previous statement that requires an explanation. It clearly connects the explanation to the prior statement.

What is the difference between "this was why" and "this is why"?

"This was why" refers to a past event or situation, while "this is why" refers to a current or ongoing situation. For example, "The project failed. This was why the team was disbanded." versus "The project is struggling. This is why we need more resources."