a probable explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a probable explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a likely reason or interpretation for a situation or phenomenon. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the researchers proposed a probable explanation for the unusual behavior observed in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A diet of kielbasa and stuffed cabbage was cited as a probable explanation).

The New York Times

It was the first time the investigators had offered a probable explanation for the fire on the jet, which crashed into a hotel north of Paris, killing 113 people.

The New York Times

A probable explanation for the unexpected results is offered.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Micro-abscesses due to disseminated TB are a probable explanation.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Differential price and margin appraisal capacity of customers is also a probable explanation.

Agricultural and Food Economics

A probable explanation is that low-energy photons can be absorbed by the K or L shell electrons of Au.

Cancer Nanotechnology

A probable explanation might relate to chloride's vasoconstrictive action, boosted by the previously reported slower excess chloride excretion during administration of saline solutions [42].

Annals of Intensive Care

A probable explanation for this result is that if administering a drug requires supervision by a qualified healthcare professional, then one might be better off having the drug administered in a clinical setting.

Health Economics Review

A probable explanation for that effect could be the higher content in fulvic acids of olive mill wastewater, and these more labile compounds are estimated as more biodegradable by soil microflora, (Jacquin and Chouliaras 1976).

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

As will be discussed below, a probable explanation for that is the higher altitude of reflection for Doppler in Taiwan and consequently strong attenuation of higher frequency components of the infrasound waves.

Earth, Planets and Space

A probable explanation of this modest reduction is that only a proportion of patients with unipolar depression are diagnosed, and only a proportion of those patients are treated, mostly with antidepressants.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a probable explanation", ensure it's followed by supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen its credibility. Avoid presenting it as a definitive answer without further justification.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a probable explanation" as an absolute truth. Always acknowledge that other explanations might exist and that further investigation could be necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a probable explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It introduces a reason or interpretation that is considered likely but not definitively proven. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a probable explanation" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce a likely, yet not definitively proven, reason or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts. While alternatives like "a likely explanation" or "a plausible explanation" exist, it's important to support any explanation with evidence and avoid overstating certainty. The phrase serves to offer reasoned accounts, aiming to enhance understanding and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely explanation

Substitutes "probable" with "likely", indicating a high chance of being correct or true.

a plausible explanation

Replaces "probable" with "plausible", suggesting the explanation is believable and reasonable.

a reasonable explanation

Substitutes "probable" with "reasonable", indicating the explanation is logical and makes sense.

a possible explanation

Uses "possible" instead of "probable", indicating that the explanation could be true, but not necessarily the most likely.

a credible explanation

Uses "credible" instead of "probable", meaning the explanation is believable and trustworthy.

a potential explanation

Replaces "probable" with "potential", suggesting that the explanation could develop into a likely one with more evidence.

a convincing explanation

Replaces "probable" with "convincing", suggesting the explanation is persuasive and able to make someone believe it.

a conceivable explanation

Uses "conceivable" instead of "probable", meaning the explanation is capable of being imagined or understood.

a tenable explanation

Replaces "probable" with "tenable", suggesting the explanation is defensible and can be maintained against attack.

an apparent explanation

Uses "apparent" instead of "probable", indicating that the explanation seems to be true based on the available evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a probable explanation" when you want to introduce a reason or interpretation that is likely but not definitively proven. For example, "The decrease in sales is likely due to the recent marketing campaign; "a probable explanation" is that it didn't reach the target audience effectively".

What's a good alternative to "a probable explanation"?

Alternatives include "a likely explanation", "a plausible explanation", or "a possible explanation", depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Which is more accurate: "a probable explanation" or "a definitive explanation"?

"A probable explanation" suggests a likely reason, while "a definitive explanation" implies a confirmed and conclusive reason. Use "a definitive explanation" only when you have concrete evidence.

Is "a probable explanation" the same as "a theory"?

While both attempt to explain something, "a probable explanation" is often used for specific events or observations, whereas "a theory" is a broader, more developed framework that explains a range of phenomena.