can be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be explained" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a statement about an event or phenomenon that can be explained or clarified through further investigation or explanation. For example: "The recent surge in stock prices can be explained by an increase in investor confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean, a rainbow can be explained.

The New York Times - Arts

"The characteristics can be explained beyond sex".

The New York Times - Sports

Campaign platforms can be explained.

The New York Times

Some of our stuff can be explained.

The New York Times

Anything can be explained well by someone.

The New York Times

Mine can be explained by a single anecdote.

The Guardian - Books

Part of this increase can be explained by demand.

The New York Times

Those reasons can be explained without too much difficulty.

The Guardian

The foreign policies of the Arab East can be explained.

The Economist

Each of the nonparadoxical concepts can be explained separately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Complicated procedures can be explained by an embedded video.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be explained", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what is doing the explaining or what provides the explanation. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "can be explained". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make writing sound vague or less direct. Consider restructuring the sentence to use active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be explained" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the potential for something to be understood or clarified, often implying that a cause or reason exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate use across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be explained" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the potential for understanding or clarifying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. While very common, it is important to use this phrase in conjunction with a clear explanation to avoid ambiguity, and to be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Consider alternative phrases such as "is amenable to explanation" to add nuance and variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "can be explained" to convey the possibility of comprehension in your written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a clear explanation

Directly states that a distinct and understandable explanation exists for something.

is amenable to explanation

Replaces "can be explained" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the capability of something to be explained.

can be accounted for

Suggests that there is a reason or cause that explains something, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.

is open to understanding

Emphasizes the possibility of comprehension, highlighting that something is accessible to being understood.

is capable of being elucidated

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary, focusing on making something clear and understandable through detailed explanation.

admits of clarification

Suggests that something can be made clearer, often implying that it's currently vague or misunderstood.

is readily understood

Focuses on the ease with which something can be comprehended, suggesting it's straightforward.

lends itself to interpretation

Shifts the focus to how something allows for different understandings or perspectives.

is subject to rationalization

Indicates that something can be justified or made logical, even if it seems irrational at first.

is susceptible to interpretation

Highlights that something is prone to different interpretations, which can be subjective.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be explained" to indicate that something has a reason or cause that makes it understandable. For example, "The increase in sales "can be explained" by the new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "can be explained"?

Alternatives include "is amenable to explanation", "has a clear explanation", or "can be accounted for", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "can be explained by" or "can be explained with"?

"Can be explained by" is generally preferred when referring to a cause or reason. "Can be explained with" is less common but may be appropriate when referring to the method or tool used to explain something. For example, "The phenomenon "can be explained by" quantum physics." or "The concept "can be explained with" a simple analogy."

What is the difference between "can be explained" and "is explained"?

"Can be explained" indicates a possibility or potential for explanation, while "is explained" implies that an explanation already exists and is being provided. For example, "The mystery "can be explained" with further research." versus "The mystery "is explained" in the next chapter."