a total explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that the explanation provided is complete and covers all necessary details. Example: "In order to understand the concept fully, the teacher provided a total explanation of the theory and its applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Evolutionary theory is invalid because it is incomplete and cannot give a total explanation for the biodiversity we see around us.

University of California, Berkeley

Transaction costs and bounded rationality cannot be a total explanation since states of the world are often describable, foreseeable, and yet are not mentioned in a contract.

Harvard University

MISCONCEPTION: Evolutionary theory is invalid because it is incomplete and cannot give a total explanation for the biodiversity we see around us.

University of California, Berkeley

He was also already attracted by the metaphysical ideas of Hegel and Spinoza, which inspired in him a desire to find a total explanation of the causal forces of life and the universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If there were a total explanation other than God's will itself, those propositions wouldn't be contingent at all.

SEP

Although the public is understandably fascinated by the disappearance from international cricket of one of the game's great entertainers, it is a mistake to think that managers and selectors "owe" fans a total explanation for their strategy or selections.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each of these five factors explained 16.6%, 7.6%, 7.3%, 6.9% and 5.0% of variability respectively, which gave a combined total explanation of total variance of 43.5% (Table 2).

BMC Public Health

He desires a more encompassing, total explanation.

The New York Times - Books

An ideology is a system of total explanation.

Forbes

You can also explain non-tangible benefits, like improved customer satisfaction, but your total explanation shouldn't be too much longer than a few sentences to a paragraph.

WikiHow

Susan Hiller is highly adept at reminding us that life's great wonder and strangeness, its joys and its tragedies, are those that defy total explanation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a total explanation", ensure that the context requires a comprehensive and all-encompassing account, as it implies a high level of detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a total explanation" when a simpler, less emphatic description would suffice. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound, indicating that an account is comprehensive and thorough.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a total explanation" signifies a comprehensive and exhaustive account. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for various contexts, predominantly science, news, and encyclopedic content. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a complete explanation" or "a thorough breakdown", it's best reserved for situations requiring a high level of detail. Overusing it can dilute its impact, so mindful application is key. By being aware of its implications and best practices, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey thoroughness and clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete account

Replaces 'explanation' with 'account', emphasizing the narrative aspect.

a thorough breakdown

Focuses on a detailed analysis rather than a simple explanation.

a comprehensive analysis

Highlights the analytical and exhaustive nature of the explanation.

an exhaustive description

Stresses the detailed and all-encompassing nature of the description.

a full exposition

Replaces 'explanation' with a more formal term, 'exposition'.

a holistic interpretation

Emphasizes understanding from a broad, interconnected perspective.

a detailed justification

Shifts the focus to providing reasons or evidence for something.

a rounded explication

It's a less frequent but stil semantically valid way of indicating the action of explaining something.

an all-inclusive rationale

Emphasizes that the justification covers every aspect.

an overarching theory

It's a much more generic way of referring to a concept of high-level explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a total explanation" when you want to convey that you are providing a complete and thorough account of something. For example, "The professor provided a total explanation of the theory, leaving no room for confusion."

What are some alternatives to "a total explanation"?

Alternatives to "a total explanation" include "a complete explanation", "a thorough breakdown", or "a comprehensive analysis", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a total explanation" or "a complete explanation"?

Both "a total explanation" and "a complete explanation" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Total" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature, while "complete" focuses on the absence of missing parts.

What does "a total explanation" imply about the information provided?

"A total explanation" implies that the information provided is exhaustive, covering all relevant aspects and leaving no significant questions unanswered. It suggests a deep and thorough understanding of the subject matter.