a leading explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a primary or most accepted theory or rationale regarding a particular phenomenon or event. Example: "The researchers proposed a leading explanation for the observed increase in temperature, attributing it to climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the governor's defeat was the biggest surprise of the night here, and in the morning-after search for answers, the flag issue surfaced as a leading explanation.

The New York Times

A leading explanation is moral hazard.

Johns Hopkins University

A leading explanation for the rash of narcolepsy cases is that a fragment of the H1N1 virus used to produce Pandemrix may have triggered an autoimmune reaction in some vulnerable children.

Science Magazine

For example, a leading explanation for cooperative breeding in vertebrates and invertebrates is that individuals gain indirect fitness benefits by helping to rear relatives [e.g. 2], [3].

Plosone

Taken together, these descriptive patterns point to relaxed enemy pressure from specialized enemies, specifically the defoliator Steniscadia poliophaea and the shoot-borer Hypsipyla grandella, as a leading explanation for the enhanced recruitment of Swietenia trees documented at Cabrits.

Plosone

I believe that it continues to be a leading explanation for why he is doing so much better against Mrs. Clinton than anyone originally predicted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The leading explanation would be a familiar one to Apple and other computer manufacturers: lithium ion batteries have been known to overheat and explode in laptops occasionally.

The New York Times

The leading explanation for imprinting is a theory that invokes conflict between relatives.

The New York Times - Health

The reason is that the leading explanation for this behavior is a cosmic repulsion, known as the cosmological constant, that results from the properties of empty space itself.

The New York Times - Science

"When we see something so pervasive, something that emerges so quickly developmentally and remains persistent across cultures, then it makes sense that the leading explanation is that it served a cooperative function," says Bulbulia.

BBC

The leading explanation for this disparity revolves around the molecule nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that helps regulate the constriction of blood vessels, an important mechanical dynamic in the control of blood pressure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading explanation", ensure that the explanation you are presenting is indeed widely recognized and supported by evidence. If it's a novel or contested explanation, qualify it as such.

Common error

Avoid presenting a niche or speculative theory as "a leading explanation" if it lacks broad consensus. This can mislead readers and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading explanation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary or most accepted reason or theory. It acts as a subject complement or an appositive, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading explanation" is a phrase used to denote a widely accepted or primary reason for a phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, primarily appearing in scientific, news media, and academic sources. While it is a useful phrase for introducing well-supported explanations, it's crucial to ensure that the explanation is indeed widely recognized and not a niche viewpoint. Alternatives like "primary cause" or "main reason" can be used depending on the specific context to ensure clarity and precision. Its usage helps provide clarity and establish a common understanding of the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary cause

Replaces "leading explanation" with a shorter, more direct term focusing on causality.

main reason

Focuses on the rationale behind an event or situation, similar to providing an explanation.

chief factor

Highlights the importance of a particular element in contributing to an outcome.

principal reason

Emphasizes the primary reason, maintaining a formal tone.

dominant explanation

Stresses the prevalence and acceptance of a specific explanation.

foremost reason

Highlights that the reason is the most important or prominent.

key factor

Highlights that the reason is the most important or prominent.

most important reason

Directly states the reason's significance.

prevailing theory

Suggests that the explanation is widely accepted within a particular field.

most common explanation

Indicates the explanation is frequently cited or generally understood.

FAQs

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

Use "a leading explanation" to introduce a widely accepted theory or cause for a phenomenon. For example, "A leading explanation for the extinction of dinosaurs is the asteroid impact."

What are some alternatives to "a leading explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "primary cause", "main reason", or "chief factor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a leading explanation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a leading explanation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic and professional contexts. It indicates a well-recognized and supported viewpoint.

How does "a leading explanation" differ from "a possible explanation"?

"A leading explanation" suggests a well-established and widely accepted reason, while "a possible explanation" implies a potential but not necessarily verified or widely accepted reason.