why is this the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "why is this the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking an explanation or reasoning behind a particular situation or fact. Example: "The results of the experiment were unexpected; why is this the case?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But why is this the case?

The Guardian

But WHY is this the case?

The Guardian

If not, then why is this the case?

The Guardian

However, often one answer poses another question; if minorities plead "not guilty" more often than average, why is this the case?

The Guardian - Opinion

What we can say definitively is for the last couple of decades girls have vastly outperformed boys at GCSE level, so why is this the case?

The Guardian

This translates into a small monthly gain for investors.Why is this the case?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Why was this the case?

Forbes

If to a lesser (or greater) extent than planned, why was this the case?

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Why is this the case and how can we avoid falling into the unhappiness trap of materialism before the next holiday season rolls around?

University of California, Berkeley

Why is this still the case?

The Guardian

Why is this not the case?

Clinical interventions in aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing the question for different audiences. For example, in formal writing or professional presentations, you might use "what are the reasons behind this", while in informal conversations, "why is it so" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "why is this the case" when the reason is already apparent or has just been explained. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing seem repetitive and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why is this the case" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit an explanation or reason for a given situation or statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to prompt further discussion or clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "why is this the case" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to ask for an explanation or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, one should be mindful of potential redundancy and consider more formal alternatives when necessary. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase to enhance clarity and engagement in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the reason for this

Focuses directly on the reason, simplifying the question.

what are the reasons behind this

Emphasizes multiple potential reasons or factors.

how can this be explained

Shifts the focus to the act of explaining the situation.

what explains this situation

Directly asks for the explanation of the current situation.

what's the explanation for this

Informal way to ask for the reason.

why is it so

A more concise and somewhat informal way of asking for the reason.

what's the cause of this

Focuses specifically on the cause of the situation.

what brought this about

Focuses on the factors that led to the current situation.

what are the contributing factors

Asks specifically for the factors that contributed to the situation.

what's the rationale behind this

Focuses on the logical reasoning or justification for the situation.

FAQs

What does "why is this the case" mean?

The phrase "why is this the case" is used to ask for an explanation or a reason for a particular situation or fact. It's a way of seeking understanding or clarification about something that has been stated or observed.

How can I use "why is this the case" in a sentence?

You can use "why is this the case" after making a statement or observing a situation where the reason is not immediately obvious. For example, "The project failed to meet its deadline; "why is this the case"?"

What are some alternatives to "why is this the case"?

Alternatives include "what is the reason for this", "what explains this situation", or "how can this be explained?" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "why is this the case" formal or informal?

The phrase "why is this the case" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal settings, alternatives like "what are the underlying reasons" might be more suitable.