a solid explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an explanation that is clear, well-founded, and convincing. Example: "The teacher provided a solid explanation of the complex theory, making it easier for the students to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

After Jackson couldn't come up with a solid explanation, bachelorette Rachel Lindsay sent him packing.

The Washington Post

The lack of a solid explanation for the Malaysia Airlines disappearance has spawned rampant speculation.

The Washington Post

Without a solid explanation, we couldn't categorically rule out ET – at least, until I found a second mysterious signal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Woods did not have a solid explanation, but he was glad he snapped out of his funk.

The New York Times - Sports

"We still don't have a solid explanation of why [Expressive Writing] does and doesn't work," admit Pennebaker and Smyth.

University of California, Berkeley

If there is an aspect of your application that the school might question, have a solid explanation, not an excuse.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

You need to have a pretty solid explanation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Social psychologists Bibb Latané, John Darley and Judith Rodin were the first to provide the public with a scientifically solid explanation.

Huffington Post

Plus now we have a more solid explanation for Laura's coke habit.

Vice

It's also a solid historical explanation of the subprime crisis.

The Guardian - Film

There is a solid scientific explanation behind these gravity-taunting feats of stone.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "a solid explanation" with more sophisticated vocabulary such as "a well-substantiated rationale" to convey expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "a solid explanation" without providing specific details. Ensure the explanation is not merely asserted but thoroughly articulated and supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solid explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "solid" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes the quality of the explanation being offered, indicating that it is well-founded and reliable. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solid explanation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a rationale that is well-supported and convincing. Ludwig AI identifies its function as modifying the noun "explanation", denoting a strong and reliable reason. The phrase appears in a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, indicating its versatility. Alternative phrases include "a convincing rationale" and "a well-founded justification". Overall, using "a solid explanation" enhances clarity and builds trust by offering well-reasoned arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear rationale

Replaces "solid" with "clear", emphasizing understandability.

a convincing rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale" and "solid" with "convincing", focusing on the persuasive quality.

a well-founded justification

Substitutes "explanation" with "justification" and "solid" with "well-founded", emphasizing the support for a claim.

a robust account

Replaces "explanation" with "account" and "solid" with "robust", suggesting a comprehensive and resilient explanation.

a compelling interpretation

Uses "interpretation" instead of "explanation" and "compelling" instead of "solid", highlighting the persuasiveness of the understanding.

a credible analysis

Replaces "explanation" with "analysis" and "solid" with "credible", focusing on the believability of the explanation.

a definitive answer

Substitutes "explanation" with "answer" and "solid" with "definitive", emphasizing the conclusiveness of the explanation.

a thorough exposition

Replaces "explanation" with "exposition" and "solid" with "thorough", highlighting the completeness of the explanation.

a substantiated argument

Uses "argument" instead of "explanation" and "substantiated" instead of "solid", focusing on the evidence supporting the explanation.

a valid interpretation

Replaces "explanation" with "interpretation" and "solid" with "valid", focusing on the correctness of the interpretation.

FAQs

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

Use "a solid explanation" to introduce a rationale that is well-supported and convincing. For example, "The scientist provided "a solid explanation" for the unexpected results".

What can I say instead of "a solid explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "a convincing rationale", "a well-founded justification", or "a robust account" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "solid explanation" or "sound explanation"?

Both "solid explanation" and "sound explanation" are acceptable. "Sound explanation" implies the explanation is logically coherent and reliable, while "solid explanation" suggests it's robust and well-supported.

What's the difference between "a solid explanation" and "an adequate explanation"?

"A solid explanation" implies the rationale is strong, reliable, and convincing, whereas "an adequate explanation" suggests it barely meets the required standard.