a certain explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific explanation that is not fully defined or is somewhat vague. Example: "The scientist provided a certain explanation for the phenomenon, but it left many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes they offer a hypothesis, he said, but never a certain explanation.

The New York Times

The second condition indicates the usage of a scientific law (an accepted theory) and a reference to why it can be applied for a certain explanation (scientific laws and basic conditions are called the explanans).

European Journal of Futures Research

We have to share values in order to live in a society and we need a certain explanation of why these values can be universal.

HuffPost

This objection is fundamentally an argument by lack of imagination, or argument from incredulity: a certain explanation is seen as being counter-intuitive, and therefore an alternate, more intuitive explanation is appealed to instead.

Wikipedia

This improvement could be explained by greater involvement of forearm muscles during LG activity due to gravity, although we do not have a certain explanation.

Clinical interventions in aging

Lacking a certain explanation for this "paradox", the authors suggested a possible cardio-protective role related to the closely-knit social network, the low unemployment rates and the potential benefit of certain dietary habits (e.g. the high consumption of olive oil).

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some of the phenomena we observed were expected, while others, such as the tendency of many evolving organisms to become very complex and to accumulate a large number of non-essential genes, did not yet receive a simple, certain explanation.

Biology Direct

This is hardly alien to our understanding of how the body, mind and external circumstances work inextricibly together, and how difficult it is to discern any single cause of mental functioning, positive or negative, no matter how much we yearn for a simple, certain explanation.

The Guardian - Books

Copying is the almost certain explanation.

The New York Times

If this activity is applied for youngsters with certain explanation, it is possible to shape their minds.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There is no certain explanation for this discordance [ 38- 41].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain explanation" when you want to refer to an explanation without specifying its details or when the details are not fully known. It's useful for introducing a concept that will be elaborated on later.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a certain explanation" without providing further clarification. If possible, strive to offer more specific details to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain explanation" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a particular explanation that is being discussed or considered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain explanation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that introduces an explanation without being specific or fully detailed. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is deemed correct for use in writing. While it is not overly common, appearing in various contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias, its frequency suggests moderate usage. To enhance clarity in writing, it's advisable to follow up with further details when using this phrase. Alternatives such as ""a specific explanation"" or ""a particular explanation"" can provide more precision depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific explanation

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing a more definite but still undefined explanation.

a particular explanation

Uses "particular" instead of "certain", suggesting a distinct or individual explanation.

a given explanation

Substitutes "certain" with "given", indicating an explanation that has been presented or assumed.

a defined explanation

Replaces "certain" with "defined", which implies the explanation is clear and distinct.

a known explanation

Uses "known" instead of "certain", referring to an explanation that is recognized or established.

a plausible explanation

Suggests the explanation is believable or reasonable.

a potential explanation

Indicates that the explanation is possible but not yet confirmed.

a possible explanation

Suggests an explanation that is capable of occurring or being true.

a likely explanation

Indicates that the explanation is probable or expected.

a reasonable explanation

Replaces "certain" with "reasonable", suggesting the explanation is logical and justifiable.

FAQs

What does "a certain explanation" mean?

The phrase "a certain explanation" refers to a particular or specific explanation that may not be fully known, specified, or agreed upon. It implies that an explanation exists but its details are somewhat vague.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain explanation" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to refer to an explanation without diving into the specifics immediately, or when the explanation itself is not yet fully defined. You can use alternatives like "a specific explanation" or "a particular explanation" depending on context.

What are some alternatives to using "a certain explanation"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a plausible explanation", "a possible explanation", or "a likely explanation". The choice depends on the degree of certainty or detail you want to convey.

How can I make my writing more precise when using "a certain explanation"?

Follow up the initial mention of "a certain explanation" with additional details or examples as soon as possible. This helps to avoid vagueness and ensures your audience understands the explanation being referenced.