a potential explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a potential explanation" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are presenting a possible explanation for something. For example, "The sudden disappearance of the birds is a potential explanation for the decrease in insect populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This suggested a potential explanation for this tendency to explode.

The New York Times - Science

We conclude that such a model provides a potential explanation of the observations.

Nature

We propose age related differences in human capital accumulation as a potential explanation for our findings.

Journal of Urban Economics

As a potential explanation for this puzzling function, we introduce the 'Columnar Machine'.

Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures

A potential explanation for these results is the abnormal functioning of the frontostriatal circuitry.

Psychiatry Research

A potential explanation could be an added measure of scrutiny, a public expectation of healthier living.

The New York Times - Science

Recent polls have suggested support for Podemos decreasing, with analysts pointing to the situation in Greece as a potential explanation.

The Guardian

A potential explanation: the recession.

Forbes

The authors cite heightened distraction as a potential explanation.

TechCrunch

We provide a potential explanation using evidence from a field experiment.

University of Chicago

However, these effects are currently assumed to be a potential explanation for the systems behaviour resp.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a potential explanation" with qualifying phrases like 'one', 'another' or 'a further' to present multiple possible interpretations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a potential explanation" as a definitive answer. Using phrases like 'the only explanation' or 'the definite reason' when the explanation is still speculative can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential explanation" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a possible, but not yet certain, reason or cause for a particular phenomenon. It serves to offer a plausible account that warrants further consideration. Ludwig AI indicates that it is perfectly correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential explanation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a possible reason or cause, without implying certainty. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the explanation's certainty and consider qualifying it appropriately. Related phrases, such as ""a possible reason"" or ""a likely cause"", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Always aim for clarity and accuracy when presenting potential explanations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible reason

Replaces "explanation" with "reason", suggesting a cause or motive that might account for something.

a likely cause

Substitutes "potential explanation" with "likely cause", indicating that the cause is considered probable.

a plausible rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale", implying a reasoned or logical basis.

a tentative hypothesis

Offers "tentative hypothesis" instead of "potential explanation", indicating a provisional explanation that requires further testing.

a suggested mechanism

Replaces "explanation" with "suggested mechanism", specifically proposing a process or system that accounts for something.

a conceivable account

Substitutes "potential explanation" with "conceivable account", indicating a possible version of events.

a theoretical basis

Offers "theoretical basis" as a possible reason, emphasizing the theoretical grounding of the explanation.

a speculative interpretation

Replaces "explanation" with "speculative interpretation", suggesting an understanding based on conjecture or incomplete evidence.

a working assumption

Offers "working assumption" instead of "potential explanation", suggesting a premise taken as true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

a provisional assessment

Replaces "explanation" with "provisional assessment", indicating a preliminary evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a potential explanation" when you are offering a possible, but not yet confirmed, reason for something. For example: "The increase in sales could have several factors, but "a potential explanation" is the new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "a potential explanation"?

Some alternatives to "a potential explanation" include "a possible reason", "a likely cause", or "a plausible rationale" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a potential explanation" or "the potential explanation"?

Using "a potential explanation" suggests there could be other explanations, while "the potential explanation" implies it's the most likely or significant one. Choose the article that best reflects the certainty you want to convey.

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

While both phrases suggest uncertainty, "a potential explanation" implies that it has the capacity to become the actual explanation after further investigation, where "a possible explanation" simply indicates that it could be true. They are very similar and often interchangeable.