admits of different explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admits of different explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation, statement, or phenomenon that can be interpreted or understood in various ways. Example: "The results of the experiment are ambiguous and admit of different explanations, depending on the perspective of the observer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The waning response to a repeatedly presented stimulus admits of a number of different explanations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are a number of different explanations for why this transformation has come about.

The Guardian

But Mr. Ron reportedly gave the police a number of different explanations about what had happened.

The New York Times

A number of different explanations are possible.

Cerebral Cortex

There are different explanations of these gender-based differences.

BMC Health Services Research

Aristotle's attitude towards explanation is best understood first by considering a simple example he proposes in Physics ii 3. A bronze statue admits of various different dimensions of explanation.

SEP

Mr. Loja and Dr. Johnson provide different explanations of what led up to the stop-payment order.

The New York Times

But she and Mr. Golden offered slightly different explanations of how the article came about.

The New York Times

Fiction can also be a laboratory for testing out different explanations of human behaviour.

The Guardian - Books

Fig. 1 Two different explanations of focal mechanisms.

Earth, Planets and Space

Different sources offer different explanations, all of them, I suspect, conjecture.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "admits of different explanations", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject that is open to multiple interpretations. This clarifies the meaning and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "admits of different explanations" when a simpler phrase like "has multiple explanations" would suffice. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admits of different explanations" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a subject or situation allows for multiple interpretations. It is used to introduce the possibility of varying perspectives or reasons, as Ludwig AI indicates.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admits of different explanations" signifies that a particular subject, situation, or phenomenon can be interpreted in multiple ways. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively uncommon, it appears in various contexts including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. Because of its infrequent usage, simpler alternatives like "allows for various interpretations" or "can be understood in multiple ways" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. When employing "admits of different explanations", clarity and context are essential to ensure the intended meaning is effectively conveyed. Overuse in simple contexts may come across as unnecessarily complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allows for various interpretations

Uses "allows for" instead of "admits of" and "interpretations" instead of "explanations".

can be understood in multiple ways

Replaces "admits of" with "can be understood" and "different explanations" with "multiple ways".

is open to several interpretations

Employs "is open to" instead of "admits of" while retaining a similar meaning.

has various possible explanations

Substitutes "admits of" with "has" and uses "possible explanations" instead of "different explanations".

lends itself to multiple interpretations

Utilizes "lends itself to" to convey the idea of being susceptible to different explanations.

is subject to diverse interpretations

Replaces "admits of" with "is subject to" and "different explanations" with "diverse interpretations".

accommodates various explanatory accounts

Uses "accommodates" instead of "admits of" and "explanatory accounts" instead of "explanations".

permits a range of explanations

Substitutes "admits of" with "permits" and uses "a range of explanations" instead of "different explanations".

offers several possible accounts

Employs "offers" instead of "admits of" and "possible accounts" instead of "explanations".

is interpretable in numerous ways

Replaces "admits of" with "is interpretable" and "different explanations" with "numerous ways".

FAQs

How can I use "admits of different explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "admits of different explanations" to indicate that a particular situation, statement, or phenomenon can be interpreted or understood in various ways. For example, "The data from the study "admits of different explanations" depending on the methodology used".

What are some alternatives to "admits of different explanations"?

Alternatives include "allows for various interpretations", "can be understood in multiple ways", or "is open to several interpretations".

Is "admits of different explanations" formal or informal?

"Admits of different explanations" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "has multiple explanations" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something "admits of different explanations"?

When something ""admits of different explanations"", it means there are multiple valid ways to interpret or understand it. This often implies that the situation is ambiguous or complex.