which explains why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which explains why" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reason or explanation for something that has been mentioned previously. Example: "The project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, which explains why the deadline has been extended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which explains why it is becoming increasingly common.

The Economist

Which explains why you've never heard of the guy.

Independent

Which explains why the toilets are permanently flooded.

The Guardian - Travel

Which explains why they appeal to players of all ages.

The New York Times

Which explains why Dementieva seems rather like a defending champion.

The New York Times - Sports

Which explains why so few M.I.T. grads reach the majors.

The New York Times - Sports

Which explains why many pickers also drink and use drugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which explains why many "whole wheat" recipes call for wheat and white flour.

The New York Times

Composts are essentially fertilizers with low nutrient content, which explains why large amounts are applied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Haas is honest to fault, which explains why he is often so hard on himself.

The New York Times - Sports

WCM appears more troubled, which explains why it looks like a seller.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which explains why" to seamlessly connect a cause or reason to its effect, enhancing the flow and clarity of your writing. For example, instead of stating two separate sentences, combine them using this phrase to show the relationship between the events.

Common error

Avoid using "which explains why" when you are not actually providing a direct explanation or cause-and-effect relationship. Using it loosely can weaken your argument and confuse the reader. Ensure that the clause following the phrase genuinely provides a reason for the preceding statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which explains why" serves as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement to the reason or explanation behind it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It introduces a clause that clarifies the cause of a situation described earlier in the sentence, ensuring a smooth flow of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which explains why" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that acts as a causal connector, linking a cause or reason to its effect. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic and Science contexts, and serves to provide clear explanations or justifications. To enhance your writing, use this phrase to seamlessly connect ideas, but avoid using it in non-causal contexts. Some alternatives are "that accounts for" or "the reason being". Ensure that the clause provides a genuine reason to avoid confusing your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is the explanation for

Directly states that what follows is the reason or justification.

that accounts for why

Focuses on providing a reason or justification for a particular outcome or situation.

that clarifies why

Emphasizes the clarification aspect of the explanation, suggesting a more direct and less ambiguous reason.

that provides the rationale for

Highlights the logical basis or underlying principles behind a decision or action.

that elucidates why

Suggests a more detailed and illuminating explanation, making the reason clearer.

that sheds light on why

Implies that the explanation is revealing or insightful, making something previously unclear now understandable.

that details the reasons for

Offers a more comprehensive and structured explanation, often involving multiple factors.

this is attributable to

Connects a result or effect to a specific cause or factor, often used in formal or scientific writing.

the reason being

More concise and direct, suitable for informal contexts where brevity is valued.

the underlying cause of

More specific, indicating a fundamental or root cause of the phenomenon.

FAQs

How do I use "which explains why" in a sentence?

Use "which explains why" to introduce a clause that provides a reason or explanation for a preceding statement. For example: "The company's profits declined, "which explains why" they had to lay off employees."

What are some alternatives to using "which explains why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that accounts for", "that clarifies why", or "this is because", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, it's not grammatically correct to start a sentence with "which explains why". "Which" clauses are typically non-restrictive (supplementary) and refer back to a previous clause or statement. Starting a sentence with "which explains why" lacks this necessary antecedent.

What is the difference between "which explains why" and "that's why"?

"Which explains why" connects a previous statement to its explanation in a more formal manner, while "that's why" is more informal and conversational. "Which explains why" is also used to add additional information to a sentence and does not start the sentence.