can be explained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be explained by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to connect an explanation or cause to a result. For example, "The sudden decrease in production can be explained by the fact that the factory had recently closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mine can be explained by a single anecdote.

The Guardian - Books

Part of this increase can be explained by demand.

The New York Times

Complicated procedures can be explained by an embedded video.

The New York Times - Tech

This can be explained by two reasons.

Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation

This can be explained by three factors.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

This can be explained by the following.

EJNMMI Research

It can be explained by two reasons.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This discrepancy can be explained by recent experimental data.

Epilepsy Research

The parallelism can be explained by mutual influence and alignment.

Information & Management

This can be explained by the three-stage model.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Its development can be explained by redirection of foraging behaviour.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be explained by", ensure the explanation is clear and directly relevant to the statement being explained. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details and evidence to support the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be explained by" to introduce overly broad or simplistic explanations. Ensure the explanation provided is nuanced and considers the complexities of the situation. For instance, instead of saying "the economic crisis can be explained by bad decisions", specify whose decisions and what made them bad.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be explained by" serves as a causal connector, linking a phenomenon or observation to its underlying cause or reason. It introduces an explanation for a given situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be explained by" is a versatile causal connector used to introduce explanations for various phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in your explanations, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "can be attributed to" or "is due to" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the intended emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "can be explained by" to enhance the clarity and depth of your explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be attributed to

Focuses more on the cause or origin of something.

can be accounted for by

Emphasizes a comprehensive explanation or justification.

is due to

Directly states the cause of something.

stems from

Suggests an origin or root cause.

results from

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a cause.

is a consequence of

Similar to "results from" but often implies a less desirable outcome.

is a product of

Suggests that something is the result of a process or interaction.

arises from

Implies that something emerges or originates from a particular source.

is a result of

Similar to "results from", but may emphasize a specific action or event.

is a function of

Indicates a relationship where one thing depends on another.

FAQs

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

Use "can be explained by" to introduce a reason or cause for a particular phenomenon or observation. For example, "The increase in sales "can be explained by" the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "can be explained by"?

Alternatives include "can be attributed to", "is due to", or "results from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be explained by" or "is explained by"?

"Can be explained by" suggests a possibility or potential explanation, while "is explained by" implies a definitive explanation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the certainty of the explanation you are providing.

What's the difference between "can be explained by" and "can be understood by"?

"Can be explained by" focuses on providing a reason or cause, whereas "can be understood by" focuses on comprehension or making something comprehensible. The former is about causation, while the latter is about understanding.