a small explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a brief or concise clarification about a topic or concept. Example: "Before we dive into the details, let me give you a small explanation of the main idea behind this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are small explanation cards available in several galleries; the size of postcards, they usually have images of the works in the gallery on the reverse sides.

The New York Times - Arts

Owing to the complexity of drought, strong QTL-environment interaction, possible epistatic effects and small explanation of drought tolerance loci, the knowledge on drought tolerance is still incomplete [ 39, 55].

BMC Genomics

It then seems incongruous that when considering why a breast cancer cell has a difference in phenotype from a normal breast epithelial cell (differences that in comparison are relatively small) explanations seem to require solely a genetic basis and a series of mutations are sought to explain every change in phenotype that is required to acquire the hallmarks of a cancer cell (Fig.  3).

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

Hyde Park is a small community, so explanations came in quickly.

University of Chicago

But to Edward N. Wolff, a professor of economics at New York University, that is only a small part of the explanation.

The New York Times

All said however, subsidies and incentives represent but a small part of the explanation for China's export success.

Yale University

James's appetite for the limelight is only a small part of the explanation for the show he's putting on in Sentenced to Life.

The Guardian

They are a small part of the explanation for the surprising resilience of Argentina's economy and social fabric, after its December devaluation and debt default.

The Economist

Still, that is likely to be only a small part of the explanation, as the baby boomers began to move into retirement only at the end of the report's period, about two years ago.

The New York Times - Health

Differences in recording behaviour probably play a small role in the explanation of the variation in prescription of PPCM between FPs, because a better or worse recording behaviour will influence the numerator and denominator in a similar way.

BMC Family Practice

Based on the fact that initiation efficiency of primer-independent manner at 3'-terminus GGG is significantly lower than self-priming with a small stem-loop, this explanation for 100 nts band is not acceptable.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small explanation" when introducing a basic concept before delving into more complex details to help the audience follow along more easily.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a small explanation" repeatedly in formal documents. Opt for stronger verbs like "elucidate", "outline", or "summarize" to add precision and avoid sounding simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "give a small explanation") or as a complement to a preposition (e.g., "for a small explanation"). According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a concise clarification.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small explanation" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to denote a brief and simplified clarification. Although Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase's frequency is currently missing, likely due to the constraints in the dataset. When a succinct overview is needed, this phrase serves to efficiently convey fundamental concepts before exploring more intricate details. While acceptable across various registers, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, balanced with more precise verbs to avoid appearing simplistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief clarification

Replaces "explanation" with "clarification" while maintaining the emphasis on brevity.

a concise account

Uses "account" instead of "explanation", suggesting a summarized version.

a short description

Emphasizes the limited length of the description.

a quick rundown

Provides a more informal alternative, suggesting a rapid summary.

a thumbnail sketch

Emphasizes the visual and condensed nature of the explanation.

a basic overview

Highlights the introductory level of the explanation.

an elementary breakdown

Replaces "explanation" with "breakdown", emphasizing simplification.

a simplified version

Directly states that the explanation is less complex.

a digestible summary

Highlights the ease with which the explanation can be understood.

the gist

Offers a very informal term for the core meaning of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small explanation" to introduce a brief overview or clarification. For example, "Before we begin, let me offer "a small explanation" of the project's goals."

What's a more formal alternative to "a small explanation"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a concise overview", "a brief account", or "an executive summary" instead of "a small explanation".

Is it correct to say "a small explanation about" something?

While grammatically sound, it's often more concise and natural to say "a small explanation of" something. For example, "a small explanation of the process" is preferable to "a small explanation about the process".

What is the difference between "a small explanation" and "a detailed explanation"?

"A small explanation" implies a brief, simplified clarification. In contrast, "a detailed explanation" suggests a thorough and comprehensive account. Choose the phrase that best reflects the scope of information you're providing.