why is it that

USAGE SUMMARY

'why is it that' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a question or statement that expresses surprise or puzzlement. For example: "Why is it that the most successful people are often so busy?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why is it that?

Harvard Business Review

Why is it that shape?

Yale University

Now why is it that Glaucon tells that story?

Yale University

Why is it that most of us don't do that?

Yale University

Why is it that we're here instead of the orangutans?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Why is it that they're being thrown out?

Yale University

Why is it that only two countries do this generally?

Yale University

Why is it that eclipses have different speeds?

Cornell University

But why is it that only companies accept them?

The New York Times - Tech

Why is it that good designs are always changed?

The New York Times

"Why is it that the middle classes feel so threatened?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "why is it that", ensure the sentence maintains a clear and direct tone. Avoid overly complex sentence structures that could obscure the question's focus.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary clauses or phrases around "why is it that", which can dilute the impact of the question. Keep the sentence concise for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why is it that" functions as an interrogative phrase used to introduce a question, often expressing curiosity, surprise, or disbelief. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English. It serves to prompt an explanation or reason for a particular situation or phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

35%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Why is it that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce questions, often implying curiosity or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, its neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal settings. While concise alternatives like "how come" exist, "why is it that" adds emphasis and depth to an inquiry. When using this phrase, clarity is key; avoid overcomplicating sentence structures to maintain the question's focus. Remember that it serves to prompt an explanation or reason for a specific situation or phenomenon, effectively eliciting information or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why is it so

Omits "that", creating a slightly more direct question.

why is it the case that

Adds formality by using the phrase "the case".

what is it that makes

Shifts the focus to identifying the cause or reason.

what is the reason that

More formal and direct, emphasizing the search for a specific reason.

how come

More informal and conversational way of asking "why".

why does it happen that

Emphasizes the occurrence or happening of something.

what accounts for the fact that

More analytical, seeking to explain a particular fact.

on what account

A more formal way to inquire about the reason or justification for something.

what explains

Focuses on providing an explanation for a phenomenon.

for what reason

Directly asks for the cause or motive behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "why is it that" in a sentence?

You can use "why is it that" to introduce a question that expresses surprise or seeks explanation. For example, "Why is it that we often overlook the obvious?"

What phrases are similar to "why is it that"?

Alternatives include "how come", "what is the reason that", or simply "why is it so", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "why is it that" in formal writing?

Yes, "why is it that" is grammatically correct and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more concise alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "why is it that" and simply "why"?

"Why" is a more direct question, while "why is it that" often implies a sense of wonder or disbelief, adding a layer of emphasis to the inquiry.