why this is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "why this is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the reason or purpose of something. For example: "Could you explain why this is the case?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who knows why this is?

The New York Times

I'm curious why this is.

Cornell University

That's why this is important".

The New York Times

Here's why this is wrong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That's why this is frustrating".

The New York Times

It's clear why this is tempting.

The New York Times

That's why this is so crucial".

The New York Times

I wonder why this is being scrapped.

Independent

Biologists have long speculated why this is.

The Economist

Why this is is not known.

The New Yorker

"I'm not sure why this is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "why this is" to smoothly introduce an inquiry into the cause or reason behind a situation, especially when the situation has already been established in the preceding context. For instance: 'Sales have declined this quarter. The question is, "why this is" happening?'

Common error

Avoid using "why this is" as a direct, standalone question. It's better suited as an embedded question within a statement or another question. For example, instead of just saying "Why this is?", phrase it as 'I'm curious about "why this is" the case'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "why this is" functions as an embedded interrogative clause, introducing a question within a statement. Ludwig's examples show its role in expressing curiosity or seeking explanations. The structure allows for a smooth transition when inquiring about the reason behind a previously mentioned situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "why this is" serves as an embedded question, commonly used to seek explanations or understanding. According to Ludwig's analysis, this construction is grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse sources, especially in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. While versatile, it's best employed within a sentence rather than as a standalone question. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why is that the case

Similar in meaning but uses a different structure.

what's the reason for this

Emphasizes seeking the underlying cause.

what are the reasons behind this

Asks for multiple factors influencing a situation.

what's the cause of this

Directly asks about the originating factor.

what is the explanation for this

Focuses on providing a detailed account.

what makes this so

Focuses on the defining factors.

what is the rationale for this

Seeks a logical justification or reasoning.

can you explain this

A direct request for clarification.

how did this come about

Inquires about the process or events leading to the current situation.

what's the purpose of this

Focuses on the intended outcome or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "why this is" to inquire about the reason or purpose of something. For instance, you might say, "I'm not sure "why this is" happening, but we need to investigate."

What can I say instead of "why this is"?

Alternatives include "what is the reason for this", "what is the explanation for this", or "what is the cause of this", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "why this is"?

Yes, "why this is" is grammatically correct when used as part of a larger sentence or clause. It functions as an indirect question. For example, "I don't understand "why this is" happening."

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

"Why is this" is a direct question, while "why this is" is an indirect question used within a statement or another question. For example, "Why is this happening?" vs. "I'm trying to understand "why this is" happening."