by explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by explanation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being clarified or made clear through explanation. Example: "By explanation, the teacher helped the students understand the complex mathematical concept." In this sentence, "by explanation" indicates that the teacher used explanation as a means to help the students understand the concept.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Spence proceeds by accretion rather than by explanation.

The New Yorker

They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation.

The New York Times - Sports

The statement, this once, is allowed to stand unmolested by explanation.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Espinal said by explanation, "My personal beliefs aren't my political beliefs".

The New York Times

Democracy is government by explanation and we need the media to explain what we're trying to do.

The Guardian

By explanation, they point out that Mr. Stern's fund, Canary Capital, was never registered with the commission, unlike many hedge funds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Description: Interrupted by explanations of the game context.

University of California, Berkeley

Previously, users have been warned of changes to the site by explanations on their homepages.

The Guardian

Some critics of the commercial say they are not mollified by explanations.

The New York Times

The research facilities and scientists are part of the exhibition; they are glimpsed through windows, framed by explanations.

The New York Times

The development of conversational ITSs such as DeepTutor is driven by explanation-based constructivist theories of learning and the collaborative constructive activities that occur during human tutoring (Rus et al. 2013).

Smart Learning Environments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by explanation" to introduce a clarification or to specify the method by which understanding is achieved. Ensure that the explanation directly follows the phrase for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by explanation" in simple sentences where the explanation is already clear. Choose more concise alternatives when possible. For example, instead of "He understood by explanation", consider "He understood the explanation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by explanation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the means or method by which an action is performed or a state is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing its role in clarifying how understanding occurs.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by explanation" is a grammatically sound and correct way to indicate that understanding or clarity is achieved through an explanation. While it's relatively rare in overall usage, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions adverbially to specify the means of clarification. When writing, consider the potential for more concise alternatives in simple sentences, but embrace "by explanation" when you need to emphasize that an explanation is crucial to the understanding being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through clarification

Replaces "explanation" with "clarification", focusing on making something clearer.

with elucidation

Substitutes "explanation" with the more formal term "elucidation", implying a detailed explanation.

via exposition

Uses "exposition" instead of "explanation", suggesting a comprehensive and systematic explanation.

by means of clarification

Emphasizes the method of clarification used to provide the explanation.

by way of explaining

Focuses on the act of explaining something to provide context or understanding.

through illustrative examples

Specifies that the explanation is provided through examples.

using deductive reasoning

Highlights that the explanation uses a specific method of reasoning.

by logical deduction

Emphasizes the use of logic in reaching an explanation.

with interpretive analysis

Highlights that the explanation requires interpretation and analysis.

by offering rationale

Highlights the provision of a logical basis for an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "by explanation" in a sentence?

Use "by explanation" to indicate that something is understood or clarified through an explanation. For example, "The students grasped the concept "by explanation" provided by the teacher."

What are some alternatives to "by explanation"?

You can use alternatives such as "through clarification", "with elucidation", or "via exposition" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "understood by explanation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It indicates that understanding was achieved through an explanation. For example, "The complex theory was understood "by explanation"."

What's the difference between "by explanation" and "with explanation"?

"By explanation" emphasizes the method through which something is understood. "With explanation" might imply the presence of an explanation but not necessarily that understanding was achieved solely through it.