an explanation how

USAGE SUMMARY

'an explanation how' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to introduce a description of how something works, for example: "Here is an explanation how the machine operates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Admiralty jurisdiction is included within the "judicial power of the United States" specifically in Article III, requiring an explanation how this territorial court could receive and exercise it.

Cornell University

she asks, and he offers some explanation that is not quite an explanation, how there was a delay in a mountain pass … There's more work to be done; he'll have to go back soon.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes it feels as if there once was an explanation – how this child got up into the tree by night in her white pyjamas, why that man is holding a struggling pelican – but the origins of the tale have been lost.

The Guardian

What follows is an explanation how we derive the spatio-temporal structure of the source using these data.

Earth, Planets and Space

It is uncontroversial that explanatory practice what is accepted as an explanation, how explanatory goals interact with others, what sort of explanatory information is thought to be achievable, discoverable, testable etc.—varies in significant ways across different disciplines.

SEP

However, our present data do not provide an explanation how Axl by itself contribute to poor prognosis.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Overall, the concept might give a better explanation how an organism adapts to specific environments than merely considering a set of TRGs.

BMC Systems Biology

For those who care, the site has a long explanation: How We Calculate Our Scores.

The Guardian - Tech

Our model provides a mechanistic explanation how increased stem cell proliferation can lead to progeroid phenotypes.

Aging Cell

On the next piece of paper, write an explanation of how atoms bond and how ionic and covalent bonds differ.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

On the next piece of paper, draw an explanation of how atoms bond and how ionic and covalent bonds differ.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an explanation how", ensure the subsequent clause clearly describes the process or mechanism being explained. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague language following "an explanation how". Be precise in detailing the steps or factors involved in the process to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explanation how" functions as an introductory element, specifically a noun phrase combined with an interrogative adverb, that sets the stage for detailing a process, method, or mechanism. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it introduces a description of how something works.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an explanation how" serves as an introduction to detailed descriptions of processes, methods, or mechanisms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's most commonly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts, signaling a formal or neutral register. For best usage, follow this phrase with specific and clear details. Alternatives like "a description of how" or "a clarification of how" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. Remember to focus on specificity to avoid vagueness. Ludwig's examples underscore its effectiveness across varied domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clarification of how

Replaces "explanation" with "clarification", emphasizing making something clearer.

a description of how

Substitutes "explanation" with "description", focusing on detailing the process.

a rationale for how

Uses "rationale" instead of "explanation", highlighting the reasoning behind the process.

an account of how

Replaces explanation with account which implies a more detailed report.

insights into how

Shifts focus to the understanding gained, rather than the explanation itself.

a mechanism for how

Highlights the mechanical process rather than the explanation.

the reasons for how

Focuses on the reasons or causes behind a process.

elucidation of how

Replaces explanation with a more formal term, 'elucidation', suggesting a detailed and enlightening explanation.

a breakdown of how

Uses "breakdown" which implies to dissect a complex process into simpler parts.

the logic behind how

Emphasizes the logical reasoning underlying a process.

FAQs

How can I use "an explanation how" in a sentence?

Use "an explanation how" to introduce a description of a process or mechanism. For example, "The paper provides an explanation how the enzyme catalyzes the reaction."

What are some alternatives to using "an explanation how"?

You can use alternatives such as "a description of how", "a clarification of how", or "the mechanism for how" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "an explanation how"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to introduce a clause that explains a process or reason.

How formal is the phrase "an explanation how"?

The phrase "an explanation how" is suitable for various contexts, including academic writing, news articles, and technical documentation. It maintains a neutral to formal tone.