a specific explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a detailed or particular clarification about a topic or issue. Example: "In order to understand the concept better, I need a specific explanation of how it works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The report filed late Monday shows dozens of payments to credit card companies that were not accompanied by a specific explanation of what the money was spent on.

The New York Times

If the Telegraph wants to be believed, it has to address each one, not with a blanket denial, but with a specific explanation.

The Guardian

Concerned about continued allegations that union officials tipped off players about some of baseball's 2004 drug tests, the commissioner's office contacted the union on Wednesday and said it wanted a specific explanation for one of the alleged incidents.

The New York Times - Sports

He declined to say whether the United States had sought a specific explanation from North Korean officials, and added that the issue "does not change the goal of what we're aiming for".

The New York Times

No one has a specific explanation for why the teams play 10 of their 13 games before the end of June and why the Red Sox play in New York twice in three weeks, the second time before the teams play in Boston for the first time.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Johnson and General Ham, who briefed reporters on the report, did not offer a specific explanation for why Marines were more opposed to repeal, although General Ham said that among Marine Corps respondents, a lower percentage had served alongside someone they believed to be gay or lesbian.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Mr. Obama said he would apply them in a way that avoided infringing on his powers, without any specific explanation of what that meant.

The New York Times

However, further work is still underway towards a more specific explanation about that.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A more specific explanation of the methodology is available here.

Huffington Post

Fifth, a more specific explanation for the observed zig-zag pattern could be provided by the evolution of collateral sensitivities.

Evolutionary Applications

Yes, the fact that there was, to our knowledge, virtually, no loss throughout chordate evolution does require a very specific explanation but this does not necessarily apply to the ancestor of multicellular animals.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, using the phrase "a specific explanation" indicates that you require detailed and unambiguous information, rather than a general overview.

Common error

While "a specific explanation" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal documents can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with synonyms such as "a detailed clarification" or "an explicit justification" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It indicates the need for a detailed and particular clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific explanation" is a common and grammatically correct way to request or offer a detailed clarification. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. Alternatives such as "a detailed clarification" or "a precise account" can add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are providing or seeking an unambiguous understanding, avoiding overuse in extremely formal contexts. Remember, a precise articulation enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed clarification

Replaces 'specific' with 'detailed', emphasizing the thoroughness of the explanation.

a precise account

Substitutes 'explanation' with 'account' and 'specific' with 'precise', highlighting accuracy.

a clear rationale

Uses 'rationale' instead of 'explanation' and 'clear' for 'specific', focusing on the reasoning.

an explicit justification

Replaces 'explanation' with 'justification' and 'specific' with 'explicit', stressing the clarity of the reason.

a concrete illustration

Replaces 'explanation' with 'illustration' and 'specific' with 'concrete', implying a tangible example.

a particular reason

Focuses on the 'reason' aspect, making it more direct and less about the explanation itself.

a definite interpretation

Changes 'explanation' to 'interpretation' and 'specific' to 'definite', emphasizing a clear understanding.

an exact description

Switches to 'description' and uses 'exact' for 'specific', focusing on accuracy in portrayal.

a thorough breakdown

Implies a comprehensive analysis instead of a simple explanation.

a point-by-point elucidation

Replaces with a more formal and detailed phrasing, emphasizing a sequential clarification.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific explanation" when you need a detailed clarification. For example, "The report requires "a specific explanation" of the discrepancies found".

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

Alternatives include "a detailed clarification", "a precise account", or "an explicit justification", depending on the context.

Is it better to ask for "a specific explanation" or "a general overview"?

It depends on what you need. "A specific explanation" is for detailed information, while "a general overview" is for a broad understanding. Choose the one that matches your informational needs.

When is it appropriate to request "a specific explanation"?

It's appropriate when you require in-depth understanding and clarity on a particular point, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. This is useful in technical, legal, or academic contexts.