a way to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a way to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or approaches to clarify or describe something. Example: "I found a way to explain the complex theory in simpler terms for my students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Chicken...," O'Neill repeats, searching for a way to explain.

The New York Times

Do you have a way to explain that?

The New York Times

This ought to be troubling, but there is a way to explain it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ciao! 5.17am BST Email While I'm coming up with a way to explain all that.

The Guardian - Sport

He refined this trait midway through his political career, as a way to explain his serial flip-flops.

The New York Times

We knew it, and we knew we'd have to find a way to explain it to the kids".

The New York Times - Sports

In the central Chinese city of Chengdu, a young university teacher searched for a way to explain her malaise.

The New York Times

"I'm thinking it would be nice if we can find a way to explain away the historical calamities and tragedies.

The New Yorker

You'd be more productive if you could figure out a way to explain the falling temps around the world.

The New York Times

In many of his sermons King spoke of agape as a way to explain the use of nonviolence in race relations.

Stanford University

Countless athletes have said they are misunderstood, generally as a way to explain mistakes, and several Giants even used that word to describe Umenyiora.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a way to explain" when you want to emphasize the process or method of clarification, rather than just the explanation itself.

Common error

Avoid using "a way to explain" when a simpler term like "explanation" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a way to explain" functions primarily as a purpose connector, linking a preceding situation or problem with the intended solution or clarification. Ludwig examples show it is used to introduce methods or approaches intended to simplify understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a way to explain" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a method or approach for clarification. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to connect a situation with an intended explanation. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, its formality is neutral. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that a simpler term wouldn't suffice. By considering suitable alternatives and avoiding overuse, you can effectively incorporate "a way to explain" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a means of explaining

Replaces "way" with "means", emphasizing the method or resource used for explanation.

a method for explaining

Substitutes "way" with "method", highlighting a structured approach to explanation.

a technique for explaining

Replaces "way" with "technique", focusing on a specific procedure used for explanation.

a strategy for explaining

Substitutes "way" with "strategy", suggesting a deliberate plan to achieve explanation.

an approach to explaining

Replaces "way" with "approach", indicating a specific perspective or method.

a solution for explaining

Replaces "way" with "solution", implying that the explanation resolves a problem or confusion.

a rationale for explaining

Substitutes "way" with "rationale", emphasizing the logical basis behind the explanation.

a justification for explaining

Replaces "way" with "justification", highlighting the act of providing reasons or evidence to support the explanation.

a system for explaining

Substitutes "way" with "system", focusing on a methodical and organized explanation.

a framework for explaining

Replaces "way" with "framework", suggesting a structural guide for the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "a way to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "a way to explain" to introduce a method or approach used for clarification. For instance, "The teacher found "a way to explain" the complex concept to her students".

What are some alternatives to "a way to explain"?

Alternatives include "a means of explaining", "a method for explaining", or "an approach to explaining", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a way to explain" and "an explanation of"?

"A way to explain" focuses on the process or method used for clarification, while "an explanation of" refers to the explanation itself as a noun. For example, "Finding "a way to explain" this is difficult, but here's "an explanation of" the theory".

When is it appropriate to use "a way to explain" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize the methodology or strategy used to clarify something complex or abstract. For simpler concepts, direct explanations are often preferable.