why is that

USAGE SUMMARY

"why is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone a question about something they said or did. For example: "You decided to take that job offer? Why is that?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Caroline: Why is that?

The New York Times

So why is that?

The New York Times

Why is that astonishing?

The Economist

No? Why is that?

The Guardian

Why is that important?

The New York Times

But why is that?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Why's that?

The New York Times

PG: Why's that?

The New York Times

"Why's that?" I asked.

The New Yorker

So why's that?

BBC

JB: Why's that?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "why is that" to politely inquire about the reason behind a statement or action, especially when seeking clarification or deeper understanding.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "why is that" can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider using more varied phrasing like "what is the reason for this" or "what accounts for this" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why is that" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically seeking an explanation or reason for a preceding statement or situation. It prompts clarification and invites further details, aligning with Ludwig AI's validation as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "why is that" is a common and grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to seek clarification or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, though its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various communication settings. While it is acceptable in many situations, consider using more formal alternatives in strict academic or professional writing to enhance sophistication. Understanding its function and potential alternatives allows for more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why is it so

Focuses on the reason something is in a particular state or condition.

what's the reason for that

Directly asks for the cause or explanation.

what makes you say that

Inquires about the basis for a statement or opinion.

how come

An informal way of asking "why".

to what cause can that be attributed

A formal way to ask about the cause.

what's the explanation

Seeks a detailed account or justification.

on what grounds

Asks about the justification or basis for an action or belief.

what's behind that

Implies a hidden reason or motivation.

wherefore

An archaic and formal way of asking "why".

what's the logic behind that

Focuses on the reasoning or rationale.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "why is that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "what is the reason for that?", "to what can that be attributed?", or "what accounts for that?" depending on the specific context.

Is "why is that" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally understandable, "why is that" might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "what is the rationale behind this?" or "what factors contribute to this?" for greater precision and formality.

What's the difference between "how come" and "why is that"?

"How come" is a more informal way of asking "why". "Why is that" is slightly more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts. You might use "how come" in casual conversation, while "why is that" could be used in a business meeting.

What are some common synonyms for "why is that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "what's the reason for that?", "what makes you say that?", or "what's the explanation". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.