a possible explanation is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible explanation is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a hypothesis or reasoning for a particular observation or situation. Example: "The data shows a significant increase in sales; a possible explanation is that the new marketing strategy has attracted more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A possible explanation is that 5NN includes some ligands that are not very similar to the query.

Journal of Cheminformatics

A possible explanation is that weight loss and caloric restriction led to compensatory reductions in metabolic rate (31).

Diabetes Care

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

The New Yorker

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

The Economist

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

Earth, Planets and Space

A possible explanation is that multitasking while studying hinders the implementation of an appropriate learning strategy.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

A possible explanation is that regional council members are often recruited from local politics and remain loyal to their roots.

Journal of Public Economics

Despite this is controversial, a possible explanation is that there is a direct interaction between DNA and the Casiopeinas tested.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

A possible explanation is that altered host relationships in North America allow increased exploitation of T. americana.

Forest Ecology and Management

A possible explanation is that different tracers of star-formation in galaxies favor different populations of star forming galaxies.

Earth, Planets and Space

A possible explanation is that the tracer uptake of 68Ga-RGD4 was generally lower than that of 68Ga-BZH3.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a possible explanation is that" to introduce a tentative explanation, acknowledging that other explanations might exist. Be open to revising your explanation as new evidence emerges.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a possible explanation is that" as a definitive answer. Instead, acknowledge it as one potential interpretation among others. Overstating the certainty undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible explanation is that" serves as an explanatory device, introducing a hypothesis or reasoned account for a given situation. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to present potential causes or reasons for observed phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possible explanation is that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a tentative explanation or hypothesis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields, including science and news. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the certainty of your explanation. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "one potential reason is that" or "a plausible reason could be that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one potential reason is that

Replaces "explanation" with "reason" and "possible" with "potential", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the same meaning.

a plausible reason could be that

Substitutes "possible explanation" with "plausible reason", adding a touch of increased believability or likelihood.

it's conceivable that

Uses "conceivable" to express that something is within the realm of possibility, offering a more concise phrasing.

a likely scenario is that

Shifts the focus to a "scenario" that is "likely", implying a narrative or sequence of events.

one hypothesis is that

Replaces "explanation" with "hypothesis", framing the statement within a scientific or investigative context.

it may be attributed to the fact that

Introduces a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting that something can be credited or blamed on a particular circumstance.

the underlying cause might be

Highlights the "underlying cause", implying a deeper or less obvious reason.

an interpretation could be

Offers an alternative "interpretation", framing the statement as a subjective understanding or perspective.

the most probable cause is

Emphasizes the high likelihood of a particular cause being the correct one.

it's not unreasonable to suggest that

Presents a suggestion as logical and sensible, indicating that it is a viable possibility.

FAQs

How do I use "a possible explanation is that" in a sentence?

Use "a possible explanation is that" to introduce a potential reason or cause for a particular phenomenon. For example, "The company's profits declined this quarter; a possible explanation is that the new competitor entered the market".

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

You can use alternatives like "one potential reason is that", "a plausible reason could be that", or "it's conceivable that" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a possible explanation is that" and "the explanation is"?

"A possible explanation is that" suggests that you are offering one potential reason among others, whereas "the explanation is" implies you are presenting the definitive and only correct reason.

Is "a possible explanation is that" too verbose for formal writing?

While "a possible explanation is that" is acceptable, consider using a more concise alternative like "it may be attributed to the fact that" or "the underlying cause might be" in formal writing to maintain a streamlined style.