a potential explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a possible reason or interpretation for a phenomenon or situation. Example: "The researchers proposed a potential explanation of the observed behavior in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The model offers a potential explanation of why we have another crisis narrative every few years, with only the names and details changed.

The New York Times

Chronic systemic treatment with migraine prophylactic drugs suppresses CSD as a potential explanation of their efficacy in migraine prophylaxis.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The Design Hypothesis is a potential explanation of the relevant facts: if true, it would account for the facts in question.

SEP

As a potential explanation of this discrepancy, it was reported that subjects also exhibited a disturbance in REST-Q subscales indicating a decreased affective state; a significant relationship between CAR and these psychological affects was present.

Sports Medicine - Open

We investigate the heterogeneity of physicians' preferences as a potential explanation of these mixed results in France, where the national voluntary QIP – the CAPI – has been cancelled due to its unpopularity.

Health Economics Review

Whatever one might think about string theory's relationship with anthropic reasoning, we do have here a potential explanation of a previously inexplicable piece of old empirical data, which ought to lend some credence to the theory.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The results of these studies provide a potential explanation for loss of efficacy of agents that act to lower or block E2.

Breast Cancer Research

Applying graph theory to individual nodes of a network provides a potential explanation for disruptions of small-worldness organization of this network.

Human Brain Mapping

This theme of course is not new, which is not a criticism so much as a potential explanation for some of Ms. George's dramatic overreach.

The New York Times

Above observations provide a potential explanation for emergence of the GC-poor genomes leaving us with a question about the origin of the GC-rich extremes.

Biology Direct

Interestingly, a decrease in GLUT-4 levels also occurred in CCR2 /– mice and may represent a potential explanation for lack of improvement in glucose-tolerance.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a potential explanation of", ensure that you provide context or evidence to support the explanation, even if it is speculative.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a potential explanation of" as a definitive answer. Clearly indicate that it is one possibility among others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential explanation of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a possible cause, reason, or interpretation for a specific event, phenomenon, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it presents a possible understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential explanation of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a plausible but not definitively proven reason or cause. As Ludwig AI indicated, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently encountered in scientific and academic writing, as well as in news and media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide supporting context and to avoid presenting the "potential explanation" as an absolute fact. Alternatives include "a possible rationale for" and "a plausible account of". By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "a potential explanation of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible rationale for

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

a plausible account of

Substitutes "explanation" with "account", suggesting a narrative or description that seems believable.

a likely reason for

Focuses on the "reason" aspect, emphasizing the probability of the cause.

a conceivable cause of

Highlights the "cause" aspect, indicating a possible origin or reason.

a hypothetical basis for

Emphasizes the "hypothetical" nature, suggesting a theoretical foundation.

a speculative interpretation of

Replaces "explanation" with "interpretation", highlighting a subjective understanding.

a tentative hypothesis regarding

Focuses on forming a testable "hypothesis", implying a more formal investigation.

an emerging theory about

Suggests that the explanation is part of a developing "theory".

a suggested mechanism for

Implies a more scientific or technical explanation involving a specific process.

a considered opinion on

Indicates a thoughtful and deliberate judgment or belief about something.

FAQs

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

Use "a potential explanation of" to introduce a possible reason or cause for a particular phenomenon. For instance, "A lack of funding is a potential explanation of the project's delay."

What are some alternatives to saying "a potential explanation of"?

You can use alternatives like "a possible rationale for", "a plausible account of", or "a likely reason for".

Is it better to say "potential explanation of" or "possible explanation of"?

Both "potential explanation of" and "possible explanation of" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

When should I avoid using "a potential explanation of"?

Avoid using "a potential explanation of" when you have definitive evidence or a confirmed reason. In such cases, use phrases that convey certainty, such as "the definitive reason" or "the established cause".