a rational explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rational explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a logical or reasonable justification for a situation or action. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I was satisfied that there was a rational explanation for his behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's never a rational explanation".

The New York Times - Magazine

But there is a rational explanation here.

The New York Times

But there's a rational explanation for this apparently mystical insight.

The Guardian

There is, of course, usually a rational explanation.

The Economist

There must be a rational explanation but I was unable to discover it.

The Guardian - Travel

Or rational, if you like, since you can provide an interpretation, a rational explanation.

The New Yorker

Suddenly there's a rational explanation for Prince Charles feeling the urge to talk to plants.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while this initially seems like a curious paradox, there is in fact a rational explanation.

The Guardian

Dr Matthiesen is a scientist and looked for a rational explanation of what had happened.

The Guardian

"If there is a rational explanation – we will come up with it".

The Guardian

A recent study of an entirely different subject -- income inequality -- suggests a rational explanation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rational explanation", ensure that the explanation is not only logical but also supported by evidence or reasoning. A rational explanation should address the core issue and be easily understood by the audience.

Common error

Don't assume that providing a technically "rational explanation" automatically makes it understandable. Tailor the explanation to your audience's knowledge level and use clear, accessible language. A rational explanation can be useless if it is not accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "rational" is an adjective modifying the noun "explanation". It typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rational explanation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a logical and reasoned account for something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and formal contexts, indicating its widespread use in scenarios where clarity and logical reasoning are crucial. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the explanation is not only logical but also understandable to your audience. Alternatives like "a logical reason" or "a reasonable justification" can be used to add nuance to your writing. While it is generally advisable to provide this phrase for any phenomena/event, remember that sometime, there is no logical reason, or the logical reason is not easy to deduct for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical reason

Focuses on the logical aspect, emphasizing reasoning rather than a complete explanation.

a reasonable justification

Highlights the justifiability of something, suggesting it's fair and acceptable.

a coherent account

Emphasizes the clarity and consistency of the explanation.

a plausible rationale

Suggests that the explanation is believable and credible.

a sound basis

Highlights that the explanation is well-founded and reliable.

an intelligible account

Focuses on the understandability of the explanation.

a valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and correctness of the explanation.

a comprehensible reason

Focuses on the ease with which the reason can be understood.

an acceptable rationale

Highlights that the rationale is satisfactory and meets certain standards.

a defensible justification

Suggests that the justification can be supported and defended against criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rational explanation" to introduce a logical reason or justification for an event, behavior, or phenomenon. For example, "The scientist sought "a rational explanation" for the unexpected results of the experiment."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rational explanation"?

Alternatives to "a rational explanation" include phrases like "a logical reason", "a reasonable justification", or "a coherent account", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide "a rational explanation"?

While providing "a rational explanation" is often desirable, it's not always necessary or possible. In some cases, events may be due to chance or factors that are not easily explained logically. However, striving for a rational understanding can lead to better insights.

What's the difference between "a rational explanation" and "a justification"?

"A rational explanation" focuses on the logical reasoning behind something, while "a justification" focuses on defending or excusing it. You might offer "a rational explanation" for why something happened without necessarily justifying it.