a partial explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a partial explanation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a reason or justification that only partially explains a situation or phenomenon. Example: "The decrease in sales can be attributed to a number of factors, but the new marketing strategy is only a partial explanation for the decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it is only a partial explanation.

The Economist

But that is only a partial explanation.

The New York Times

That's not untrue, but it's a partial explanation".

The Guardian

But these reasons provide only a partial explanation.

The Guardian - Tech

A partial explanation wouldn't be helpful at this point".

The New York Times

But this, too, can only be a partial explanation.

The Economist

But that was at best a partial explanation.

The New York Times - Health

(That's a partial explanation of the trancelike lure of minimalism as well).

The New York Times - Arts

A partial explanation of this discrepancy can be found in Soviet history.

The New Yorker

And when we got the diagnosis earlier in 2013, I had a partial explanation, something to hang on to.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a partial explanation of the decisions by many senior members of Congress not to seek reelection this year.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a partial explanation", be clear about what other factors contribute to the overall situation. This provides a more complete understanding for your audience.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a partial explanation" as the sole or definitive reason. Always acknowledge that other factors are involved to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a partial explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a reason or account that only partly clarifies a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Books

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a partial explanation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a reason or cause that only partly accounts for a situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's important to acknowledge other contributing factors when using this phrase. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To improve clarity, it's best practice to either provide additional context or indicate that further details will follow. When writing, avoid overstating the explanation as the sole reason. Alternatives include phrases like "a limited explanation" or "one possible reason".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited explanation

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the explanation.

an incomplete explanation

Highlights the unfinished or lacking nature of the explanation.

a contributing explanation

Highlights that the explanation is only one of the factors.

a contributory factor

Focuses on the role of the explanation as one of several contributing elements.

a potential explanation

Suggests a possible explanation, without certainty.

one possible reason

Presents the explanation as a potential but not definitive cause.

a plausible explanation

Indicates the explanation is believable but not necessarily proven.

a fractional explanation

Stresses the small or minor aspect of the explanation.

an initial explanation

Suggests the explanation is preliminary and subject to change.

a tentative explanation

Highlights the provisional nature of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a partial explanation" to introduce a reason that only partly accounts for a situation. For example, "The new policy is "a partial explanation" for the company's increased profits, but other factors also contributed."

What are some alternatives to saying "a partial explanation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a limited explanation", "an incomplete explanation", or "one possible reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a partial explanation" without providing further details?

While it's grammatically correct, using "a partial explanation" without elaborating can leave your audience wanting more. It's best to either provide additional context or indicate that further details will be given later.

What's the difference between ""a partial explanation"" and "the full explanation"?

"A partial explanation" suggests that the given reason only covers part of the situation, while "the full explanation" implies a complete and comprehensive account. Use "a partial explanation" when you're not providing all the details.