as though it explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as though it explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something seems to provide an explanation or justification, even if it may not actually do so. Example: "He spoke with such confidence, as though it explained his lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Free," he repeated, as though it explained everything.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Something about the notion that Keats might have used laudanum more regularly than his earlier biographers thought seems to stir readers' interest, as though it explains something that needs explaining: the extraordinary creativity of such a young man.

The New York Times

The objection as I have put it forward, though it explains much of the initial resistance many feel toward contextualism, is based on a mistake.

Yale University

I wanted to detect a history of ease in her, as though it would explain her cavalier attitude.

Yale University

That's as far as she has taken it, though, explaining that it's hard for people in rural areas to attend rallies because that often requires traveling great distances.

The Washington Post

The shimmery white blooms are some of the first to flower after winter, as though, explains Dan, "to start the whole year off".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So when those first news reports came out linking Asperger's with the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as though this explained everything, it only took an unethical few to do tremendous damage to an entire population of people.

Huffington Post

As soon as she explained, though, I understood.

Huffington Post

The judges struggle with articulating this, though, as Len Goodman explained to Zoe Ball a couple of weeks ago on It Takes Two.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Practicality, though, as much as philosophy explains why Dr. Cline wants a tax cut.

The New York Times

As Babb explains it though, it's really about figuring out the cloud long-term.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as though it explained" to subtly suggest that something is presented as an explanation, even if you doubt its validity or completeness. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as though it explained" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as though it explained" functions as a conjunction phrase. It introduces a clause that presents something as if it were an explanation, often implying a contrast between appearance and reality. Ludwig AI validates this usage through examples in its database.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as though it explained" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a clause that presents something as an explanation, often implying doubt or skepticism. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to formal contexts, predominantly appearing in news, academic, and scientific writing. While not frequently used, it effectively conveys a sense of apparent explanation that may not hold up under scrutiny. Use it to add nuance and express subtle disbelief in your writing, but avoid overuse to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as if it clarified

Replaces "explained" with "clarified" to emphasize the act of making something clearer, not just providing an explanation.

as if it justified

Shifts the focus from explanation to justification, suggesting the thing in question served as a reason for something.

as though it were a sufficient reason

Adds emphasis on the sufficiency of the explanation, making it more explicit.

as though it provided an answer

Replaces "explained" with "provided an answer", focusing on the response given.

as if that were the whole story

Implies a sense of incompleteness or deception in the apparent explanation.

as though that sufficed to clarify

Similar to 'as if it clarified' but more emphatic and formal.

as though it accounted for everything

Highlights the comprehensiveness the explanation seems to suggest.

as though that should settle the matter

Suggests the explanation is meant to end further discussion.

as if that were self-explanatory

Indicates the matter should be obvious, which may or may not be true.

as if it were the ultimate explanation

Emphasizes the finality or completeness the apparent explanation attempts to convey.

FAQs

How can I use "as though it explained" in a sentence?

You can use "as though it explained" to suggest something is presented as an explanation or justification, whether or not it actually is. For example: "He presented his opinion with such certainty, "as though it explained" away all counterarguments."

What phrases are similar to "as though it explained"?

Alternatives include "as if it clarified", "as if it justified", or "as though it were a sufficient reason". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Is "as though it explained" formal or informal?

"As though it explained" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

Can "as though it explained" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "as though it explained" can be used in academic writing, particularly when analyzing how arguments are presented or critiquing explanations offered by others. Ensure the usage aligns with the overall tone and style of your academic work.