be explained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be explained by' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate a reason or cause for a particular event or situation. For example, "The sudden drop in temperatures can be explained by the cold front that moved into the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This might be explained by several factors.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

This can be explained by two reasons.

Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation

Some of this variation may be explained by genetic polymorphism.

Stanford University

This repeated exact similarity can only be explained by copying.

Harvard University

Some of the failure could be explained by active resistance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those differences may be explained by several factors.

Nature

This cannot be explained by the aforementioned Model 1.

Nature

Some of this could be explained by measurement issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

The incongruity may be explained by the methodology.

Nature

Your triumph can only be explained by widespread electoral fraud.

The Guardian - Opinion

His entire personality could perhaps be explained by this cloud.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be explained by" to clearly link an event or phenomenon to its underlying cause or reason. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "be explained by" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be explained by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject's cause or reason is being revealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for describing the underlying factors behind a phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be explained by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a causal relationship or provide clarification. As Ludwig AI suggests, its primary function is to link an event or phenomenon to its underlying cause, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While it is versatile, being mindful of overusing the passive voice is crucial for maintaining writing strength and clarity. Considering alternatives like "be attributed to" or "be caused by" can help diversify your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be caused by

This alternative directly states that something is the reason for a particular event or situation.

be due to

This alternative provides a reason or cause for something, often indicating a direct causal relationship.

be accounted for by

This alternative suggests a more comprehensive explanation, often used when quantifying or detailing the reasons behind something.

be attributed to

This phrase emphasizes the cause or origin of something, directly linking an effect to a specific factor.

be understood through

Focuses on comprehension and insight gained by examining something else.

be clarified by

Highlights the role of something in making a situation or concept more understandable.

be a consequence of

Indicates that one thing is a direct result or outcome of another.

result from

This phrase emphasizes that something is a direct outcome or effect of a preceding cause or event.

stem from

Suggests that something originates or arises from a particular source or cause.

lie in

This implies that the explanation or solution to something is found within a particular aspect or element.

FAQs

How do I use "be explained by" in a sentence?

Use "be explained by" to indicate the reason or cause behind a particular event or situation. For example, "The increase in sales can "be explained by" the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "be explained by"?

Alternatives include "be attributed to", "be caused by", or "result from". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "be explained by" is in passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, using active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. Consider whether "the new data explains..." might be more impactful than "...can "be explained by" the new data".

Can "be explained by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "be explained by" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a versatile phrase that clearly indicates a causal relationship or provides an explanation.