be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be explained' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an idea, concept, or phenomenon is being described and clarified. For example: "These findings cannot be explained by traditional theories of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How will it be explained?

Independent

Can it be explained?

The Guardian

It can't be explained.

The Guardian - Books

All will be explained.

The Guardian - Opinion

How can these numbers be explained?

The New Yorker

I mean, a rainbow can be explained.

The New York Times - Arts

The phone calls would be explained.

The New Yorker

So how is it be explained?

The Economist

The reasons may not be explained.

The Economist

Can the survey result be explained?

The New Yorker

How can this be explained?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be explained", ensure the subject receiving the explanation is clearly defined. For example, instead of "It can be explained", specify "The phenomenon can be explained by..." for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be explained" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where possible. For instance, instead of "The results can be explained by this theory", consider "This theory explains the results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be explained" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that a subject is receiving an explanation, with the focus on the act of clarifying or making something understandable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

37%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be explained" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive construction that signals the need for clarification or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various domains. As evidenced by numerous examples, its prevalence is notable in scientific, news media, and academic contexts. While its register typically ranges from neutral to formal, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active alternatives for more direct communication. Related phrases such as "be clarified" or "be elucidated" offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding these subtleties, writers can effectively utilize "be explained" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be clarified

Focuses on making something clearer, emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

be elucidated

Implies a more detailed and thorough explanation, suitable for complex topics.

be interpreted

Emphasizes the act of finding meaning or understanding, often from a specific perspective.

be accounted for

Highlights the need to provide a reason or justification for something.

be justified

Focuses on showing or proving something to be right or reasonable.

be demystified

Suggests removing the mystery or complexity surrounding a topic.

be rationalized

Implies finding a logical or coherent explanation, potentially after the fact.

be defined

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or description.

be understood

Shifts the focus to the comprehension of something, rather than the explanation itself.

be resolved

Indicates the solving of a problem or clearing up of a misunderstanding.

FAQs

How can I use "be explained" in a sentence?

Use "be explained" to indicate that something needs clarification or a detailed description. For example, "The discrepancy should "be explained" in the report".

What are some alternatives to "be explained"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be clarified", "be elucidated", or "be interpreted".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be explained"?

While "be explained" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often result in more direct and engaging writing. Consider rephrasing as "This theory explains the results" instead of "The results can "be explained" by this theory".

How does "be explained" differ from "be accounted for"?

"Be explained" focuses on providing a clear understanding, while "be accounted for" emphasizes providing a reason or justification. For instance, a phenomenon might "be explained" by a scientific theory, while a financial discrepancy needs to be accounted for.