can be explained as follows

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be explained as follows" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a set of further explanations or details on a particular topic. For example, "The causes for the growing trend in single-person households can be explained as follows: first, the cost of living has increased significantly, making it difficult for two people to share a household; second, social stigma associated with being single has decreased, leading to more people living alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thought can be explained as follows.

SEP

That can be explained as follows.

Environmental Systems Research

This finding can be explained as follows.

Chemistry Central Journal

It probably can be explained as follows.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It can be explained as follows.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

This result can be explained as follows.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

This assumption can be explained as follows.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This effect can be explained as follows.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The reason can be explained as follows.

Nano Convergence

This tendency can be explained as follows.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The breakdowns can be explained as follows.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be explained as follows" to clearly signal that you are about to provide a detailed explanation of a concept, process, or observation. Ensure that the explanation directly relates to the statement it follows.

Common error

Avoid using "can be explained as follows" if you don't provide a comprehensive or clear explanation immediately after. Ensure the following explanation provides sufficient detail and context to support the initial statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be explained as follows" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to signal that a detailed explanation or justification for a preceding statement will immediately follow. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be explained as follows" is a grammatically correct and very common introductory phrase primarily used in formal and scientific contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its main function is to signal the imminent provision of a detailed explanation or justification for a preceding statement. This phrase helps ensure clarity and understanding by offering a reasoned account. While highly prevalent in scientific writing, its use in news, business, and encyclopedic sources is rare. When using this phrase, ensure that the following explanation is comprehensive and directly related to the initial statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be accounted for in this way

Replaces "explained" with "accounted for" and "follows" with "in this way", focusing on providing a reason or justification.

can be understood in the following manner

Substitutes "explained" with "understood" and "follows" with "in the following manner", emphasizing comprehension.

is attributable to the following factors

Focuses on cause and effect, replacing "explained" with "attributable" and indicating specific factors.

the underlying reasons are as follows

Highlights the "reasons" behind something, presenting them in a list format.

the explanation is presented below

Simplifies the phrase by directly stating that the explanation will be presented next.

the subsequent details clarify this

Emphasizes that details will clarify the prior statement.

this is clarified by the following details

Similar to the previous, but uses a passive construction.

this is due to the reasons below

Directly links the statement to reasons that will be provided.

the mechanism behind this is as follows

Specifically refers to a "mechanism", implying a process or system.

this hinges on the following considerations

Suggests that the statement depends on the considerations that will be provided.

FAQs

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

Use "can be explained as follows" to introduce a detailed explanation or reasoning. For instance, "The increase in sales can be explained as follows: a new marketing campaign and improved customer service".

What phrases are similar to "can be explained as follows"?

Alternatives include "can be attributed to", "the reasons are", or "is due to", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "can be explained as follows" in formal writing?

Yes, "can be explained as follows" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms.

What's the difference between "can be explained as follows" and "can be summarized as"?

"Can be explained as follows" introduces a detailed explanation, whereas "can be summarized as" provides a concise overview or main points.