a sensible explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is logical, reasonable, or makes sense in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, she provided a sensible explanation for the unusual behavior of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Finally, a sensible explanation for everything that's wrong with the world.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Children are less scared of things if they are given a sensible explanation that they can understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why so much of our limited room to manoeuvre was wasted on a VAT cut still awaits a sensible explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Steve Forbes Chairman and Chief Executive Forbes Media New York, May 13 , 2008• To the Editor: Paul Krugman provides a sensible explanation of the fact that the huge increase in the price of oil within the last several years has been the result not of a speculative bubble but of a growing long-term imbalance between demand and supply worldwide.

The New York Times

It's a sensible explanation.

TechCrunch

However, although this rather frugal conception of knowledge might be sufficient to give an account of the possibility of non-propositional knowledge, it is not that easy to see how such a conception can give a sensible explanation of propositional knowledge, i.e., of knowledge that something is so-and-so.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It does surprise me that there are so few peers from the East Midlands compared to other regions and I can't think of any sensible explanation for that," she told me.

BBC

It's an eminently sensible explanation, and since two years of hunting for Planet Nine haven't turned up anything, the hypothesis is definitely worth pondering more.

Forbes

It was a sound and sensible explanation, substance over flash.

The New York Times - Sports

I can well understand why many have similar fears of a nuclear catastrophe, fears that sensible explanation is never able to calm.

The Guardian - Books

A passer-by, who had known the place (called the borough) since childhood, said that the only sensible explanation for such a great church with so few dwellings close by was that this was a plague village, site of a once thriving community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensible explanation" when you want to convey that a particular reason or account makes practical sense and aligns with known facts.

Common error

While "sensible" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing may sound simplistic. In such contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "cogent", "well-reasoned", or "logically sound" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible explanation" is a grammatically correct and functional phrase used to describe a reason or account that is both logical and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, its formality may vary, making it suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. When aiming for higher formality, consider alternatives like "a rational explanation" or "a coherent account". Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to clarify situations and justify actions, providing a practical and logical understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale", suggesting the logical basis for something.

a logical justification

Swaps "sensible" and "explanation" for "logical" and "justification", focusing on the reasoning behind something.

a coherent account

Uses "coherent account" instead of "sensible explanation", emphasizing the clarity and consistency of the description.

a plausible interpretation

Substitutes "explanation" with "interpretation", highlighting a possible understanding of something.

a sound argument

Replaces the phrase with "a sound argument", focusing on providing valid reasoning.

a valid reason

Focuses on the legitimacy and correctness of the justification.

an acceptable answer

Replaces explanation with "answer", indicating a response that is satisfactory.

a clear exposition

Uses "clear exposition" to emphasize the clarity and detail of the explanation.

an understandable rationale

Highlights the easiness of understanding for the justification.

a well-founded theory

Implies that the theory has a strong base, and is not just sensible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible explanation" when providing a reason that is logical and easily understood, as in "The scientist offered "a sensible explanation" for the experiment's unexpected results".

What is a more formal alternative to "a sensible explanation"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a rational explanation", "a coherent account", or "a logically sound justification" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "a sensible explanation" and "a reasonable explanation"?

While both phrases imply logic and understandability, "a sensible explanation" often suggests practicality and alignment with common sense, whereas "a reasonable explanation" focuses more on being fair and justifiable.

Is it appropriate to use "a sensible explanation" in academic writing?

Yes, "a sensible explanation" is appropriate in academic writing, especially when clarity and ease of understanding are important. However, consider the formality of the context and whether a more precise term might be more suitable.