can best explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"can best explain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the most effective or suitable way to explain something. Example: The diagram can best explain the physics concept to visual learners.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

At least that is how I can best explain it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Consequently, in Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, for example, where there are major peak associations that dominate their respective economic sectors, neo-corporatism can best explain major interest group activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I can best explain how planets can help your stock market forecasting through my own experience.

Forbes

There currently is no consensus on which immunological mechanisms can best explain the rise in atopic disease post industrialization.

Seminars in Immunology

We see that model B can best explain the changes in the trends before and after the LSSEs.

Earth, Planets and Space

For the past 5 years, Science has sponsored "Dance Your Ph.D.," an international competition to see which scientists can best explain their graduate work through interpretive dance.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

How can I best explain this?

The New Yorker

BUT after examining each of these factors in detail, most researchers have concluded that these factors can at best explain only a small portion of investors' home bias.

The New York Times

Its proper parts can at best explain what the world already suffices for.

SEP

How can we best explain this distribution with respect to intron gain and loss?

Plosone

It can be a tool that can help you best explain yourself or a debilitating roadblock.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can best explain", ensure that the context clearly establishes what alternatives are being considered and why the chosen explanation is superior. Be explicit about the factors that make it the 'best' explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "can best explain" when the explanation is merely adequate or satisfactory. This phrase implies a superior explanation among several options; ensure that this distinction is valid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can best explain" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the ability of something to provide the most effective explanation. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable status. This phrase highlights a superior explanatory capability, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can best explain" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the ability of something to provide the most effective explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains. Its frequent use in scientific and news contexts suggests a preference for analytical and explanatory discourse, emphasizing its role in highlighting superior insights. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the chosen explanation truly stands out among alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is best suited to explain

Replaces "can" with "is suited", focusing on suitability.

is ideally positioned to explain

Emphasizes the ideal nature of the explanation.

provides the clearest explanation

Shifts focus to the clarity of the explanation.

offers the most compelling explanation

Highlights the persuasive quality of the explanation.

elucidates most effectively

Uses a more formal verb, "elucidate", and emphasizes effectiveness.

is the most explanatory for

Changes the structure to emphasize explanation.

best clarifies

Uses a more concise verb, "clarifies".

is most illuminating in explaining

Uses a more figurative adjective, "illuminating".

gives the best account of

Uses the noun "account" to refer to the explanation.

is the prime candidate to explain

Frames the explanation as coming from a leading option.

FAQs

How do I use "can best explain" in a sentence?

Use "can best explain" to indicate that a particular method, model, or factor offers the most effective or comprehensive explanation for a phenomenon. For example, "This theory can best explain the observed data."

What can I say instead of "can best explain"?

You can use alternatives like "is best suited to explain", "provides the clearest explanation", or "offers the most compelling explanation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can best explain" or "best can explain"?

"Can best explain" is the standard and grammatically correct order. "Best can explain" is not idiomatic and would generally be considered incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "can best explain" and "can adequately explain"?

"Can best explain" suggests a superior explanation compared to alternatives. "Can adequately explain" simply indicates that the explanation is sufficient, without implying superiority. The first expresses a comparative quality and the second not.