an explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

'an explanation of' is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain something that has been mentioned previously. For example, "The professor provided an explanation of the complex biology behind the problem".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is an explanation of sorts.

The Guardian - Business

Maybe it's an explanation of my laxity.

The Guardian

IPodder.org offers an explanation of podcasting.

The New York Times - Tech

For an explanation of the tournament selection process, read this.

The New York Times

Fehr said the players needed an explanation of Selig's presentation.

The New York Times - Sports

He owes the American people an explanation of his actions".

The New York Times

That led to an explanation of her departure.

The New York Times

"You know, there is always an explanation of some kind.

The New York Times - Sports

(Patrick Di Justo has an explanation of the Fujita scale).

The New Yorker

Under the paragraphs is an explanation of their significance.

The Guardian

So, finally, here's an explanation of the (Reichenbach) fall, then.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before diving into "an explanation of" a complex topic, provide a brief overview. This sets the stage for the explanation and helps readers understand the purpose and scope of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "an explanation of" when a simpler word like "why" or "how" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Instead of "an explanation of why", try "why".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explanation of" functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the object of a verb (e.g., provide an explanation of) or as a complement to a preposition (e.g., for an explanation of). Ludwig examples show its integration across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an explanation of" is a versatile noun phrase used to introduce clarifications or detailed accounts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. While it is generally appropriate, be mindful of using simpler alternatives like "why" or "how" in informal situations. Related phrases include "a clarification of" and "an account of", offering subtle differences in emphasis. Use "an explanation of" to signal thoroughness and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A clarification of

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

An account of

Provides a detailed description or report of an event or situation.

A description of

Offers a detailed portrayal of something, emphasizing its characteristics.

An interpretation of

Focuses on explaining the meaning or significance of something.

A rationale for

Provides the underlying reasons or justification for something.

The reason for

Directly states the cause or motive behind something.

The grounds for

Specifies the basis or justification for an action or belief.

A breakdown of

Offers a detailed analysis, dividing something into smaller parts to aid understanding.

An analysis of

Involves a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

The details of

Focuses on providing specific information about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "an explanation of" to introduce a clarification or detailed account of something. For example, "The professor gave "an explanation of" the theory" or "I need "an explanation of" the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "an explanation of"?

Alternatives include "a clarification of", "a description of", or "an account of". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize. For example, "a clarification of" focuses on making something clear, while "a description of" provides details.

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

It is appropriate to use "an explanation of" when you are providing a detailed clarification or account of a topic, concept, or event. It's suitable for formal writing and situations where thoroughness is needed. Simpler constructions may be better in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "an explanation of" and "the explanation for"?

"An explanation of" introduces a detailed account or clarification of a subject, while "the explanation for" refers to a specific reason or cause. For example, "Here is "an explanation of" the process" describes the steps, whereas "the explanation for the delay" refers to the cause of the delay.