a valid explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valid explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether an explanation is acceptable, reasonable, or justifiable in a given context. Example: "The scientist provided a valid explanation for the unexpected results of the experiment, which helped clarify the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Lack of notice was not considered a valid explanation.

The New York Times

"[Presenters] always need to be given a valid explanation as to why [they're] moving on.

The Guardian

"There may be a valid explanation for increasing their payments, but I haven't seen it yet," Mr. Hevesi said.

The New York Times

If God is indeed more complex and improbable than his creation, does that rule him out as a valid explanation for the universe?

The New York Times - Books

Mr Davis considered the matter closed after "the MP provided a valid explanation for why two separate hotels were claimed inadvertently for the same night and... repaid".

Independent

Our results support the assumption that anchoring remains a valid explanation for systematically biased decisions within market contexts.

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

For all of these reasons, a shorter latency is not a scientifically valid explanation for the lack of observed risks by Beane Freeman et al. (2009).

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

6– 13 The present authors' reasoning for a "final common pathway" through the human inflammatory and immune system offers a quite valid explanation for the observations over time for the random, consistently low number of therapeutic successes from multiple, very seemingly divergent, forms of cancer therapies.

Cancer Management and Research

"Democrats certainly have a perfectly valid explanation, but I am not sure people understand it," she said.

The New York Times

Our results indicate that the mood template is a potentially valid explanation of the day-of-the-week effect.

Financial Innovation

Our evidence shows that the day-of-the-week mood template is a potentially valid explanation of the day-of-the-week effect.

Financial Innovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a valid explanation", ensure the explanation is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a valid explanation" without providing any supporting details or evidence. Simply stating that something is a valid explanation without further elaboration can weaken its impact and make it seem unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valid explanation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or complement in a sentence. It serves to identify and categorize a reason or justification as being acceptable and sound, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valid explanation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reason or justification that is considered acceptable and well-founded. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, typically appearing in neutral to formal contexts like science, news, and business. The phrase emphasizes the acceptability and soundness of the reasoning. While alternatives like "a legitimate explanation" or "a justifiable explanation" exist, it’s important to support any claim of a valid explanation with clear evidence or logical reasoning to enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legitimate explanation

Replaces "valid" with "legitimate", suggesting something is in accordance with the law or established rules.

a sound explanation

Substitutes "valid" with "sound", implying that the explanation is well-reasoned and reliable.

a justifiable explanation

Replaces "valid" with "justifiable", highlighting that there is sufficient reason or grounds for the explanation.

a reasonable explanation

Substitutes "valid" with "reasonable", suggesting that the explanation aligns with logic and common sense.

a tenable explanation

Replaces "valid" with "tenable", suggesting that the explanation is defensible and able to be maintained against objection.

a plausible explanation

Substitutes "valid" with "plausible", implying the explanation is believable and credible.

a convincing explanation

Replaces "valid" with "convincing", suggesting the explanation is capable of persuading someone that something is true.

an acceptable rationale

Replaces "valid explanation" with "acceptable rationale", focusing on the underlying reasons and suggesting that they are satisfactory.

a credible account

Replaces "explanation" with "account", framing it as a report or description of an event that is believable.

a satisfactory justification

Replaces "valid explanation" with "satisfactory justification", emphasizing that the reason provided adequately explains the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a valid explanation" to introduce a reason or justification that is considered acceptable or reasonable. For example, "The company provided "a valid explanation" for the delay in shipping the product".

What are some alternatives to "a valid explanation"?

Some alternatives include "a legitimate explanation", "a sound explanation", or "a justifiable explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a valid explanation" the same as "a good explanation"?

While similar, "a valid explanation" emphasizes the justification and acceptability of the reason, whereas "a good explanation" focuses on its clarity and comprehensibility. A good explanation may not always be valid, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a valid explanation"?

It's appropriate to use "a valid explanation" when presenting or assessing reasons for an event, action, or situation. It's often used in formal contexts like reports, discussions, or investigations, where a reasoned justification is required.