a possible explanation is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible explanation is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing an idea that may explain something. For example, "A possible explanation is that the computer was accidentally turned off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A possible explanation is hybridization and/or incomplete lineage sorting of ancestral polymorphisms among diverging species.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A possible explanation is that young voters simply reflect the broader dynamic of American partisanship.

The New Yorker

A possible explanation is the different modes of activation of the complement system.

Nature

A possible explanation is that multi-photon processes are important at higher momentum transfers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A possible explanation is that in both cases, crucial complex gangliosides in the brain are absent.

Nature

A possible explanation is a thermal blunting resulting from adiabatic heating at high speeds.

Polymer

A possible explanation is that many Americans prefer to live among people who look like themselves.

The Economist

A possible explanation is that pockmarks, like other bedforms, are transient features especially in shallow and morphodynamically active shelf areas.

Nature

Although this question has no simple answer, a possible explanation is they aren't confident a raise would be granted.

Harvard Business Review

A possible explanation is the disproportionate consumption by young people of beefburgers, some of which contain high-risk material.

The Guardian

A possible explanation is that they might harbor quasars/AGNs.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a possible explanation is" with a concise and direct statement of the potential reason.

Common error

Avoid presenting the possible explanation as a definitive answer. Using qualifiers like "may", "might", or "could" maintains the appropriate level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible explanation is" functions as an introductory element that signals the presentation of a potential reason or cause for a particular phenomenon or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces an idea that may explain something. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a possible explanation is" serves as a valuable tool for introducing potential reasons or causes across various contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and highly versatile, often employed to present hypotheses or tentative conclusions without asserting them as definitive facts. Given its widespread use in scientific, academic, and news domains, it is crucial to ensure clarity, logical reasoning, and appropriate qualifiers when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "one explanation could be" and "the reason might be" offer subtle variations in formality and emphasis, allowing writers to fine-tune their message to suit the specific context. By following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "a possible explanation is" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one explanation could be

This alternative is slightly less formal and directly suggests an explanation.

a potential cause is

This alternative focuses on identifying a factor that could have led to the event.

a plausible reason is

This alternative emphasizes the believability of the reason being presented.

the reason might be

This alternative is less assertive and indicates uncertainty about the explanation.

this might be due to

This alternative directly points to a cause, implying a direct link.

it could be attributed to

This alternative suggests assigning the cause to something specific.

an alternative explanation is

This alternative introduces a different explanation from what was previously considered.

one hypothesis is that

This alternative is more formal and suggests a tentative explanation that requires further investigation.

perhaps this is because

This alternative suggests a reason with a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

a contributing factor could be

This alternative implies that the factor is one of several causes.

FAQs

How to use "a possible explanation is" in a sentence?

Use "a possible explanation is" to introduce a potential reason or cause for an event or phenomenon. For example, "A possible explanation is that the power outage was due to a fallen tree".

What can I say instead of "a possible explanation is"?

You can use alternatives like "one explanation could be", "a plausible reason is", or "the reason might be" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a possible explanation is" is suitable for formal writing as it introduces a reasoned but not definitive explanation.

What's the difference between "a possible explanation is" and "the explanation is"?

"A possible explanation is" introduces a potential reason that may not be confirmed, whereas "the explanation is" presents a definitive and confirmed reason.