to explain why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify the reasons behind a statement or action. Example: "I will provide additional information to explain why this decision was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brisbane attempted to explain why.

The New Yorker

I'd like to explain why.

The New York Times

There are several theories to explain why.

The Economist

Mann takes pains to explain why.

The New York Times - Books

It is difficult to explain why.

The New York Times

Their parents would have to explain why.

The New York Times

You have failed to explain why.

Independent

No need to explain why.

The Guardian - Travel

"You have to explain why".

The New York Times

It's hard to explain why".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll have to explain why she lost".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explain why" when you want to introduce a reason or justification for a statement or action. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to explain why" repeatedly within a single paragraph. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "therefore", "as a result", or "because" to maintain readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain why" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a clause of reason or purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to clarify the underlying causes or justifications behind a statement or action, serving as a connector between an assertion and its explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to explain why" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a reason or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and versatile connector suitable for various contexts. It functions as an infinitive phrase, primarily serving to clarify and establish causality. While it appears most often in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. For variety, alternatives such as "to clarify the reasons" or "to justify the rationale" can be used. Remember to avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give the reason why

Focuses on providing a specific reason.

to clarify the reasons for

Implies making the reasons more understandable.

to justify the rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical basis for something.

to elucidate the causes of

A more formal way to describe clarifying the causes.

to provide an explanation for

A broader phrase that encompasses various types of explanations.

to account for the fact that

Focuses on providing an account or reckoning.

to offer insight into why

Highlights the offering of a deeper understanding.

to break down the reasons for

Implies a detailed analysis of the reasons.

to spell out the reasons for

Suggests a very clear and explicit explanation.

to delve into the motives for

Indicates a deeper investigation of the underlying motives.

FAQs

How can I use "to explain why" in a sentence?

Use "to explain why" to introduce the reasons behind a statement or event. For example, "I need "to explain why" I made that decision."

What are some alternatives to using "to explain why"?

You can use alternatives such as "to clarify the reasons", "to justify the rationale", or "to elucidate the causes" depending on the context. These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can use it to introduce a clause that provides an explanation. For example, "To explain why I was late, I missed my train."

What is the difference between "to explain why" and "to explain how"?

"To explain why" focuses on the reasons or causes behind something, while "to explain how" focuses on the process or method. "To explain why the project failed, we need to analyze the initial assumptions. "To explain how" the project was intended to work, here's the original project plan."