why this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “why this” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a question and to express surprise or disbelief. For example, “He was so successful, why this sudden change in direction?”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Why this killing?

The New York Times

Why this preternatural calm?

The New Yorker

'Why this accident?

The New York Times

Why this particular video?

The New York Times

Why this elaborate ruse?

The New Yorker

Why this consistent bombing?

The New York Times

"That's why this happens".

The New York Times

Why this birthday?

The New York Times

Why this new collaboration?

The New York Times

Why this either-or?

The New York Times - Books

Why this photo?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "why this" to directly question a specific action, decision, or situation, especially when seeking an explanation or justification.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "why this" excessively in formal or academic papers. Opt for more elaborate and precise phrasing such as "what is the reason for this" or "what is the justification for this" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why this" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. It is used to inquire about the reason or cause behind a specific event, action, or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and suggests numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "why this" serves as a concise interrogative, seeking explanations across diverse contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business settings. Its neutral register allows for broad application, but writers should consider more formal alternatives in academic writing. As Ludwig AI shows, "why this" is a powerful tool for prompting inquiry and understanding the rationale behind specific occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why is this

Adds an explicit verb, focusing on the state or condition of the subject.

what's the reason for this

Shifts the focus to the underlying cause or justification.

what is the explanation for this

Seeks a more detailed and reasoned account.

how come this

Offers a more informal way to inquire about the cause.

what prompts this

Emphasizes the initiating factor or trigger.

what's behind this

Suggests a hidden or less obvious motive.

to what end this

Focuses on the intended goal or outcome.

for what reason this

Formalizes the inquiry about the rationale.

what's the purpose of this

Directly questions the aim or intention.

what justifies this

Challenges the legitimacy or validity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "why this" in a sentence?

You can use "why this" to question the reason behind a specific event or decision. For example, "Why this sudden change of plans?" or "Why this particular method over others?".

What can I say instead of "why this"?

Alternatives include "what is the reason for this", "what prompts this", or "how come this", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the reason why this"?

While grammatically acceptable, "the reason why this" can sometimes be redundant. It's often more concise and impactful to simply use "why this" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What is the difference between "why this" and "why is this"?

"Why this" is a more direct, sometimes abrupt, way to ask for a reason, whereas "why is this" is a more grammatically complete question, often used when seeking clarification or a more thorough explanation.