alternative explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternative explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing different interpretations or reasons for a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "The researchers proposed an alternative explanation of the observed behavior, suggesting that environmental factors played a significant role."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sister, Patricia Ann Gamble, gave the jury an alternative explanation of the events.

The New York Times

Third, "an alternative explanation of the perceived phenomenon should be provided".

The Guardian

However, there is an alternative explanation of the results in terms of band-bending effects.

Vacuum

There was no evidence for the alternative explanation of altered nAChR sensitivity in either FR or OB rats versus AL.

Nature

An alternative explanation of our findings is that dHipp β-AR blockade facilitated extinction of the CPP.

Nature

Noting that tribal legends locate Apache origins squarely in the American Southwest, he offers an alternative explanation of the newfound genetic link.

The New York Times

An alternative explanation, of course, is that educational inequality is rooted in economic problems and social pathologies too deep to be overcome by school alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Dr. Roth offers an alternative explanation of how caloric restriction might work for lower species but be less effective for animals already endowed with relatively long lives.

The New York Times - Science

WE suggest an alternative explanation of the creep effect in thin magnetic films, and briefly outline experimental results which support it.

Nature

A third group, Group Experimental-Slow, was subsequently added to eliminate an alternative explanation of spatial overshadowing in terms of differential experience with the landmarks during training.

Learning and Motivation

The Tectonic Landscape Model provides an alternative explanation of why mixed habitats may be represented at certain sites over longer timescales.

Journal of Human Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an "alternative explanation of", clearly state the original explanation first to provide context and highlight the contrast.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "alternative explanation of" without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support it. Ensure that the alternative is plausible and well-justified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternative explanation of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a different or contrasting reason for a particular phenomenon or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English for presenting divergent viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alternative explanation of" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to introduce a contrasting or different reason for a phenomenon. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for presenting diverse viewpoints, particularly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and sufficient evidence are crucial to support the proposed alternative. Semantically related alternatives include "alternate interpretation" and "another possible reason". While generally formal, understanding its usage nuances enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternate interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting differently, rather than just explaining.

another possible reason

Highlights possibility and reason, suitable for less formal contexts.

different perspective

Emphasizes a change in viewpoint or outlook.

a contrasting theory

Implies a formal and structured opposing view.

an opposing viewpoint

Highlights the disagreement and contrast between viewpoints.

a revised understanding

Emphasizes that understanding has been refined or corrected.

a counter-argument

Suggests a direct refutation of an existing argument.

an alternative hypothesis

Presents another testable proposition, often in scientific contexts.

a divergent account

Indicates a narrative or explanation that significantly differs from the original.

a competing explanation

Highlights that the alternative actively rivals another explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "alternative explanation of" to introduce a different reason or interpretation for a phenomenon. For example, "An "alternative explanation of" the results is that the participants misunderstood the instructions."

What is a simpler way to say "alternative explanation of"?

You can use phrases like "another possible reason", or "alternate interpretation" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "alternative explanation of"?

It is appropriate to use "alternative explanation of" when you want to introduce a different perspective, theory, or reason that contrasts with an existing one. It's common in academic, scientific, and analytical writing.

What is the difference between "alternative explanation of" and "original explanation of"?

"Alternative explanation of" introduces a new or different reason, while "original explanation of" refers to the initial or previously accepted reason for something. The former challenges or supplements the latter.