why it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "why it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the reason or explanation for something. Example: "I don't understand why it is that some people prefer tea over coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that why it is first?

BMC Medical Ethics

That's why it is useful.

The New York Times

That's why it is clean.

The New Yorker

and why it is important.

The New York Times

Why it is?

The Guardian - Books

That is why it is so weak.

The Economist

"Why, it is nine o'clock, Chub".

The New York Times

Can you explain why it is?

The Guardian

And that is why it is inexcusable".

The Guardian - Sport

One is why it is so deadly.

The Economist

Sadly, we know why it is happening.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "why it is" in formal writing, ensure the sentence structure is clear and avoids ambiguity. Rephrasing as "the reason why it is" can sometimes improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "why is it" in declarative sentences. "Why it is" functions as a noun clause, while "why is it" is for direct questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why it is" functions as a noun clause, typically introducing the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses inquiry or explanation, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "why it is" is a versatile expression used to introduce noun clauses, typically to explain or inquire about reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts from news media to academic writing. To ensure clarity in writing, avoid using "why is it" in declarative sentences, and consider rephrasing with alternatives like "the reason why it is" for improved formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the reason

This alternative replaces "why" with "what is the reason", focusing on the cause or justification.

what is the explanation

This alternative emphasizes the explanatory aspect, seeking a detailed account.

for what reason is it

This alternative rephrases the question with a more formal and emphatic tone.

what makes it so

This alternative focuses on the factors contributing to a specific condition or state.

what accounts for it

This alternative inquires about the underlying factors or causes of something.

what's the cause of it

This alternative directly seeks the cause, often implying a problem or issue.

how come it is

This alternative uses a more colloquial expression to ask for a reason.

on what grounds is it

This alternative questions the basis or justification for a particular action or decision.

what's the logic behind it

This alternative seeks to understand the reasoning or rationale behind something.

can you explain the reason

This alternative politely requests an explanation for something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "why it is" typically introduces a noun clause that explains the reason for something. For example, "I want to understand "why it is" happening."

What are some alternatives to using "why it is"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the reason "why it is"", "the explanation for "why it is"", or "the cause of "why it is"".

Is it ever correct to say "why is it" instead of "why it is"?

Yes, "why is it" is used in direct questions, such as "Why is it raining today?" "Why it is" is used in noun clauses, such as "I don't know "why it is" raining today."

What is the difference between "the reason why" and "why it is"?

"The reason why" introduces a clause that explains a cause, while ""why it is"" is a noun clause that functions as a subject or object in a sentence. For example, "The reason why he left is unknown" versus "Why it is important is clear."