a complete explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to specify that you are providing a thorough and detailed account of a particular subject or topic. Example: "In this report, we will provide a complete explanation of the new policy changes and their implications for employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't a complete explanation of the campaign's stunning success, of course.

The New York Times - Magazine

Of course, the median voter theorem is far from a complete explanation of politics.

The New York Times

His innate artistry, his courage and his proficiency with the camera are not a complete explanation of his achievements.

The Guardian

"I ask that your prompt review produce a complete explanation of the circumstances, including a remedy that will absolutely guarantee that nothing like this can ever happen again".

The New York Times

The multiverse theory certainly cuts the ground from beneath intelligent design, but it falls short of a complete explanation of existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Google has yet to give a complete explanation of why the data was collected and who at the company knew about it.

The New Yorker

Yet the company still hasn't given a complete explanation of why the data was collected and who at the company knew about it.

The New York Times

"I demand a complete explanation of Kennedy's assignment in Germany and the end to the investigations into leftwing networks," said Hunko.

The Guardian

Because of an editing error, an article on Oct. 27 about the fruit of the threatened Moroccan argan tree, used to produce an oil for gourmet cooking and cosmetics, omitted a complete explanation of how exported Argan oil is produced.

The New York Times

Dr. Steven Weinberg is perhaps the world's most authoritative proponent of the idea that physics is hurtling toward a "final theory," a complete explanation of nature's particles and forces that will endure as the bedrock of all science forevermore.

The New York Times - Science

Phi clearly gives us a new way to think about the relationship between information and consciousness, but it is probably too abstract to ever be a complete explanation of consciousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a complete explanation of", ensure that the subsequent explanation is indeed thorough and covers all relevant aspects of the topic. Avoid leaving out key details or oversimplifying complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete explanation of" if you are only providing a partial or superficial overview. Instead, opt for phrases like "an introduction to" or "a brief overview of" to accurately reflect the scope of your explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete explanation of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It serves to introduce or promise a detailed and exhaustive account of a particular subject matter. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete explanation of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression employed to introduce a thorough and exhaustive account of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its use spans across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. Related phrases include "a thorough account of" and "a comprehensive analysis of", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning with slight nuances. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the explanation is indeed complete and covers all relevant aspects to avoid misleading the audience. Ludwig examples showcase that this phrase is effective in promising a full understanding of complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete account of

Similar to "a complete explanation of", but puts slightly more emphasis on narration.

a thorough account of

Emphasizes providing a detailed and comprehensive description or narration.

a comprehensive analysis of

Focuses on a detailed examination and assessment of a topic or subject.

a comprehensive overview of

Provides a broad and complete summary of a topic, covering all essential aspects.

a detailed breakdown of

Highlights the act of breaking down a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

a full exposition of

Suggests a complete and thorough presentation of information or ideas.

an in-depth exploration of

Indicates a deep and thorough investigation into a particular subject.

a rigorous assessment of

Emphasizes a strict and thorough evaluation, often with a focus on accuracy and validity.

a holistic view of

Offers a perspective that considers the whole and the interdependencies of its parts.

a painstaking interpretation of

Highlights the careful and detailed process of understanding or explaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete explanation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete explanation of" to introduce a thorough and detailed account of something. For example, "The report provides "a complete explanation of" the company's financial performance over the past year."

What are some alternatives to "a complete explanation of"?

Some alternatives include "a thorough account of", "a comprehensive analysis of", or "a detailed breakdown of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a complete explanation of" and "a full explanation of"?

While similar, "a complete explanation of" suggests that all relevant aspects are covered, whereas "a full explanation of" implies that the explanation is detailed and not lacking in information. Both phrases are generally interchangeable.

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

Use "a complete explanation of" when you intend to provide a thorough and exhaustive account of a topic, leaving no significant questions unanswered. Ensure that your explanation lives up to the promise of being 'complete'.