a sufficient explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sufficient explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether an explanation meets the necessary criteria or standards for clarity or completeness. Example: "The professor provided a sufficient 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

60 human-written examples

But "events" are not a sufficient explanation.

The New York Times

Is love (or gullibility) a sufficient explanation?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Both sides know that isn't a sufficient explanation.

The New York Times

But I don't think that's a sufficient explanation.

The Economist

This may seem obvious, but surprisingly few candidates include a sufficient explanation of their employers.

The Guardian

Simply using the past relationship between SST and drought was not a sufficient explanation.

The Guardian

And in all cases the magnet's a sufficient explanation for why that block stays up.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Lewy writes, "Prejudice alone... is not a sufficient explanation for the hostility directed at the Gypsies over the centuries".

The New York Times - Arts

"He says, 'Well, I'm from Vermont,' " Mrs. Clinton noted before saying that home-state concerns were not a sufficient explanation.

The New York Times

Mrs May has done so partly because she lacks a Commons majority but that is not a sufficient explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's always struck me as a sufficient explanation for why Northerners retire to Florida (or that and savvy marketing).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating if something constitutes "a sufficient explanation", consider the audience's prior knowledge and adjust the level of detail accordingly. A technical audience might require less background information compared to a general one.

Common error

Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentence structures when providing "a sufficient explanation". Clarity and conciseness are key to ensuring the audience understands the information effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It indicates whether an explanation meets the necessary standard of adequacy. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to evaluate the quality and completeness of explanations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient explanation" is a commonly used phrase that evaluates whether an explanation is adequate and satisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its wide applicability across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase to assess explanatory adequacy, implying a neutral to formal register. When using "a sufficient explanation", ensure clarity and avoid unnecessary jargon to effectively convey information to your audience. Alternatives include "an adequate rationale" or "a satisfactory account", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate rationale

Replaces 'explanation' with 'rationale' emphasizing reasoning; 'adequate' conveys the same level of sufficiency.

a satisfactory account

Uses 'account' instead of 'explanation', highlighting a detailed report; 'satisfactory' implies meeting requirements.

a convincing justification

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of the explanation; 'justification' suggests defending an action or belief; 'convincing' implies effectiveness.

a valid interpretation

Focuses on the correctness of understanding; 'interpretation' implies assigning meaning; 'valid' suggests accuracy.

a reasonable clarification

Highlights the clarity and logic of the explanation; 'clarification' implies making something easier to understand; 'reasonable' suggests soundness.

an acceptable defense

Presents the explanation as a way to protect against criticism; 'defense' implies shielding from attack; 'acceptable' suggests meeting minimal standards.

an ample elucidation

Replaces 'explanation' with 'elucidation', emphasizing clarification; 'ample' suggests more than enough detail.

a comprehensive understanding

Suggests a thorough and complete explanation; 'comprehensive' indicates covering all aspects.

a plausible rationalization

Emphasizes the believability of the reason; 'rationalization' suggests finding reasons to justify something; 'plausible' indicates seeming reasonable.

a cogent exposition

Focuses on the clarity and persuasiveness of the explanation; 'exposition' implies a systematic presentation; 'cogent' suggests being clear and convincing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sufficient explanation" to describe a reason or justification that adequately clarifies something. For example, "The data provided "a sufficient explanation" for the observed phenomenon."

What's a more formal way to say "a sufficient explanation"?

In formal contexts, you might use "an adequate rationale", "a satisfactory account", or "a convincing justification" as alternatives to "a sufficient explanation".

When is an explanation considered "a sufficient explanation"?

An explanation is considered "a sufficient explanation" when it provides enough detail and clarity to satisfy the audience's understanding and address any uncertainties or questions they may have.

What's the difference between "a sufficient explanation" and "a complete explanation"?

"A sufficient explanation" provides enough information to satisfy a particular need or understanding, while "a complete explanation" aims to cover all possible aspects and details. The former is often more practical and concise, while the latter can be exhaustive but potentially overwhelming.