a direct explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a direct explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a method of communication that is straightforward and to the point. For example, "She gave me a direct explanation of the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I don't have a direct explanation," Hershon said.

The New York Times - Sports

Al Jazeera said it, too, was still awaiting a direct explanation for the attack on its headquarters.

The New York Times

It's often discussed but was this the first time we had a direct explanation of what Hannah actually writes?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Broader social trends, like unemployment, an increase in single-parent families, and their associated stressors, might have also contributed to the increase in abuse, but they are slow moving and unlikely to be a direct explanation, Dr. Volkow said.

The New York Times - Health

At the same time, he said, a shareholder who is unable to get a direct explanation from the board for maintenance increases or assessments has the right to examine the books and records of the corporation and may be able to get the desired information by doing so.

The New York Times

While the other used features may not have a direct explanation, they contain discriminating information for false-positive reduction.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Although the axonal tension theory postulated a direct link between folds and cortical connections, it lacked a directed explanation for other key observations, such as the overall shift in cortical connectivity to proportionately more short-range connections with increasing brain size and hence increasing degrees of gyrification.

Cerebral Cortex

As a mass communicator, he had an interest in a more direct explanation of the way things work, so he co-authored a book, Bang!

Huffington Post

We cannot find any direct explanation for this observation in the literature.

BMC Public Health

It continued with an awkward not-quite-apology, a churlishly direct explanation for what was inappropriate behavior, and a hinted invitation for another chance.

The New York Times

Perhaps a more direct explanation is that data collection is part of what Cindy Cohn, the legal director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, calls "the surveillance business model".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a direct explanation", ensure that the explanation is easily understood and avoids ambiguity. Prioritize clarity over complexity to effectively convey the intended message.

Common error

Avoid undermining the "direct" nature of your explanation by including unnecessary jargon or technical terms. If complex terminology is essential, provide a brief and accessible definition alongside it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As supported by Ludwig, it denotes a clear and unambiguous account or rationale, aiming for easy comprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct explanation" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize clarity and ease of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, prioritize simplicity and avoid unnecessary complexity to maintain its effectiveness. Alternatives such as "a straightforward account" or "a clear rationale" can provide nuanced variations while preserving the core meaning. Remember to focus on conveying essential information clearly to facilitate comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A straightforward account

Replaces 'explanation' with 'account' and 'direct' with 'straightforward', emphasizing clarity and simplicity.

A clear rationale

Substitutes 'explanation' with 'rationale', highlighting the reasoning behind something, while 'clear' replaces 'direct'.

An explicit clarification

Replaces 'explanation' with 'clarification' and 'direct' with 'explicit', focusing on making something unambiguous.

A plain exposition

Uses 'exposition' instead of 'explanation' and 'plain' for 'direct', suggesting a clear and simple presentation of facts.

A simple reason

Replaces 'explanation' with 'reason' and 'direct' with 'simple', indicating a basic and easily understood cause.

A candid interpretation

Substitutes 'explanation' with 'interpretation' and 'direct' with 'candid', implying an honest and straightforward understanding.

A factual account

Replaces 'explanation' with 'account' and 'direct' with 'factual', focusing on presenting information based on evidence.

A precise detailing

Substitutes 'explanation' with 'detailing' and 'direct' with 'precise', emphasizing accuracy and thoroughness.

A transparent justification

Replaces 'explanation' with 'justification' and 'direct' with 'transparent', focusing on openly providing reasons or evidence.

A frank statement

Replaces 'explanation' with 'statement' and 'direct' with 'frank', suggesting an honest and open declaration.

FAQs

How can I use "a direct explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "a direct explanation" to indicate a straightforward and easily understandable account of something. For instance, "The scientist provided "a direct explanation" of the experiment's results."

What are some alternatives to "a direct explanation"?

Alternatives to "a direct explanation" include "a straightforward account", "a clear rationale", or "an explicit clarification". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a direct explanation"?

It is appropriate to use "a direct explanation" when you want to emphasize that the explanation is simple, clear, and easy to understand. This is especially useful in situations where clarity is crucial, such as in scientific reporting or technical documentation.

What makes "a direct explanation" different from a regular explanation?

The adjective "direct" emphasizes that the explanation is straightforward and avoids unnecessary complexity. A regular explanation may still be accurate, but it might not be as easily understood or as focused on conveying the essential information.