admits of explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admits of explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can be clarified or understood through further explanation. Example: "The phenomenon observed in the experiment admits of explanation through the principles of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of these things some puzzle us, while others admit of explanation in some degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Although not all things which admit of explanation have all four causes, e.g., geometrical figures are not efficiently caused, even a brief overview of his psychological writings reveals that Aristotle regards all four causes as in play in the explanation of living beings.

SEP

The thought here is that at this point, we will have arrived at fundamental facts that do not admit of explanations — e.g., facts about the basic physical natures of elementary particles.

SEP

Alternatively, we might find that, while each case admits of Darwinian explanation, all the cases are very different.

Biology and Philosophy

Does it admit of scientific explanation?

Duke University

If token emergent features are metaphysically primitive, their necessary appearance in the right circumstances should admit of causal explanation.

SEP

It should perhaps also be added that although emergent properties are indeed "unexplainable" in the sense that that they are not susceptible to a reductive explanation, this does not mean that they are "unexplainable" in every sense: the inherence of an emergent property in a particular whole does admit of an explanation by nomic subsumption.

SEP

But that a Southern State should hearken to the measure, and be ready to sacrifice it's local interest as well as the general interest, admits of no rational explanation to which I am competent.

University of Chicago

Thus, Socrates can come to be shorter than Simmias solely in virtue of a change in Simmias's height.[19] As reductive realists such as Ockham often point out, this fact about relational change admits of a ready explanation on their position, since Socrates's relation is nothing over and above Simmias's and Socrates's heights, the latter of which never changes.

SEP

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

By way of explanation, Gough admitted he'd mixed antibiotics with alcohol.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using this phrase. While grammatically sound, "admits of explanation" is more formal and might not be appropriate for casual communication.

Common error

Avoid using "admits of explanation" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "can be explained" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admits of explanation" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is capable of being explained or is susceptible to having an explanation provided. This signifies a potential for understanding or clarification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

Academia

26%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admits of explanation" signifies that something can be explained or clarified. As noted by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct, although its usage leans toward the formal and scientific. It's particularly common in academic writing, scientific discourse, and encyclopedic entries. While functional, be mindful of your audience and context; simpler alternatives like "can be explained" may be more suitable in less formal settings. The phrase's infrequent nature suggests a deliberate choice when a formal, precise tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is explainable

Direct synonym, replacing the verb phrase with a simple adjective. This changes the structure slightly.

can be explained

Replaces the verb "admits" with "can be", making it more straightforward.

allows for explanation

Emphasizes that the subject permits an explanation.

lends itself to explanation

Suggests the subject is well-suited for explanation, implying a natural fit.

is amenable to explanation

Similar to 'allows for explanation', but implies a willingness or suitability for explanation.

is open to interpretation

Shifts the focus slightly from explanation to interpretation, suggesting multiple valid explanations might exist.

can be elucidated

Uses a more formal verb ("elucidated") to indicate that something can be made clear and understandable.

permits clarification

Focuses on making something clearer, rather than fully explaining it. It's a more specific type of explanation.

is susceptible to explanation

Highlights vulnerability to being explained, implying a more complex or challenging explanation.

is subject to clarification

Indicates that the subject requires and can receive clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "admits of explanation" in a sentence?

The phrase "admits of explanation" is used to indicate that something is capable of being explained. For example, "The phenomenon observed in the experiment "admits of explanation" through the principles of quantum mechanics".

What are some alternatives to "admits of explanation"?

Some alternatives to "admits of explanation" include "can be explained", "is explainable", or "allows for explanation", depending on the context.

Is "admits of explanation" formal or informal?

"Admits of explanation" is considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "can be explained" are often preferred.

What does it mean when something "admits of explanation"?

When something "admits of explanation", it means that it is possible to provide a rational or logical explanation for it. It suggests that the thing in question is not inherently mysterious or beyond understanding.