a credible explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a credible explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is believable or trustworthy, often in contexts involving reasoning, arguments, or justifications. Example: "The scientist provided a credible explanation for the unusual results observed in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In 2009 Mr Sanader resigned as prime minister without a credible explanation.

The Economist

And still there remains that howling absence: a credible explanation of why ISDS is necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until there is a credible explanation, there is no hope of calming the country's turmoil.

The New York Times

Challenged on this point, the panel say: "He did not have a credible explanation".

The Guardian - Sport

MS. CARNAHAN -- When you left -- you never really gave a credible explanation when you left in August.

The New York Times

Amnesty International says the state "has not provided a credible explanation as to why they did not investigate these deaths".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

In the absence of any credible explanation for Kelly's behaviour, the tribunal judged it to be a clear case of racial and sexual discrimination.

The Guardian

Urged to provide a more credible explanation for his survival, Pi placates the officials with a story that contains just the kind of "dry, yeastless factuality" they're looking for.

The New York Times - Books

According to that opposing view, those Tai military campaigns offer a more credible explanation for the collapse of Angkor than does an interpretation identifying Theravada Buddhism as the primary cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is an equally credible explanation, though: driving a car in Ukraine is life-threatening.

The New York Times

A more credible explanation is the fusion in Karachi of gangland, political and ethnic battle lines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a credible explanation" when you need to convey that a particular reason or justification is believable and supported by evidence or logic.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice when using "a credible explanation". Instead of saying "A credible explanation was given", opt for active constructions like "The expert provided a credible explanation" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a credible explanation" functions as a noun phrase acting as a complement or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe an explanation that is believable or worthy of trust. Examples show it often appears where accountability or justification is required.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a credible explanation" is a noun phrase used to describe a reason or justification that is believable and supported by evidence. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure the explanation is well-supported and that sentences are structured in the active voice for clarity. Related phrases include "a plausible rationale" and "a convincing account". This phrase is widely understood and accepted, contributing to its frequent use across various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible rationale

Emphasizes the apparent reasonableness and possibility of the explanation.

a convincing account

Highlights the persuasive nature of the explanation.

a believable justification

Focuses on the defensibility and acceptability of the explanation.

a sound interpretation

Stresses the logical and well-founded nature of the explanation.

a valid reason

Highlights the legitimacy and correctness of the explanation.

a solid explanation

Focuses on the robustness and reliability of the given explanation.

a tenable alibi

Implies a defensive explanation, particularly used in legal contexts.

a satisfactory answer

Emphasizes that the explanation meets a required standard or expectation.

a logical deduction

Highlights that the explanation is a result of a reasoning process.

a reasonable clarification

Focuses on the clarity and understandability of the provided explanation.

FAQs

How to use "a credible explanation" in a sentence?

Use "a credible explanation" to describe a reason or justification that is believable and well-supported. For example: "The scientist provided a credible explanation for the unexpected results."

What can I say instead of "a credible explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "a plausible rationale", "a convincing account", or "a believable justification" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a credible explanation" or "an credible explanation"?

"A credible explanation" is correct. The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. Since "credible" begins with a consonant sound, "a" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a credible explanation" and "a plausible explanation"?

While both describe believable reasons, "a credible explanation" suggests that the reason is supported by evidence or authority, whereas "a plausible explanation" simply means it seems reasonable or possible.