an explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain why something happened or why you did something. For example: "I gave him an explanation for why I was late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Menopause is hardly an explanation for suicide.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clemens always had an explanation for things.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody has an explanation for it.

The New Yorker

"Poles have an explanation for everything.

The Guardian

There may be an explanation for this.

Harvard Business Review

He offered an explanation for Rotenberg's interest.

The New Yorker

"I don't have an explanation for it.

The New York Times - Sports

NASA did not give an explanation for the crew change.

The Washington Post

His background provides an explanation for his upbeat disposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Chris Coleman, the Wales manager, had an explanation for that.

The Guardian - Sport

Roky has an explanation for even his troubled 1990s.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an explanation for", ensure that the explanation directly addresses the issue or question being posed. Avoid vague or tangential explanations.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when providing "an explanation for" something. Aim for clarity and conciseness to ensure your audience understands the reason or cause effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explanation for" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing the reason or cause of something. It is used to provide clarity or understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an explanation for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce the reason or cause behind something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and directness to ensure effective communication. Considering alternatives such as "a reason for" or "the rationale behind" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason for

Replaces "explanation" with the simpler term "reason", focusing on the cause or justification.

a justification for

Substitutes "explanation" with "justification", implying a need to defend or vindicate an action or decision.

the rationale behind

Uses "rationale" to emphasize the logical basis or reasoning behind something.

the grounds for

Replaces "explanation" with "grounds", indicating the basis or foundation for something.

a cause of

Focuses specifically on the cause that led to a particular event or situation.

the motive for

Highlights the underlying reason or incentive for an action.

a diagnosis of

Suitable in medical contexts, indicating the identification of a cause of a condition.

the story behind

Emphasizes the narrative or detailed account that clarifies an event or situation.

the key to

Metaphorically presents the explanation as the "key" to understanding something.

a solution to

Shifts the focus from explaining a problem to offering a way to resolve it.

FAQs

How do I use "an explanation for" in a sentence?

Use "an explanation for" to introduce the reason or cause behind a particular event, situation, or action. For example: "The company provided "an explanation for" the delayed product launch."

What are some alternatives to "an explanation for"?

You can use alternatives such as "a reason for", "a justification for", or "the rationale behind" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, "the rationale behind" emphasizes logical reasoning.

When is it appropriate to use "an explanation for" in formal writing?

"An explanation for" is suitable for formal writing when you need to provide a clear and direct account of why something occurred. It is appropriate in business reports, academic papers, and official communications.

Is there a difference between "an explanation for" and "an excuse for"?

Yes, while both provide reasons, ""an explanation for"" aims to clarify or inform, whereas "an excuse for" often seeks to justify or defend a fault or mistake. An excuse may imply avoiding responsibility.