cannot be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that an event or phenomenon is complex or mysterious and cannot be fully understood. For example: "The source of the mysterious sound remains unknown and cannot be explained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It cannot be explained in a phrase.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some things just cannot be explained.

The New York Times - Magazine

No, Madrid's leadership cannot be explained by referees' decisions.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sometimes I don't understand them because they cannot be explained.

The New York Times

The disparity cannot be explained by any apparent biological factors.

The New York Times - Health

Descriptive labels sort out their meaning, but their technical shortcomings cannot be explained away.

The New York Times

He has fallen in love with Hastings (these things cannot be explained).

The New York Times - Books

These results cannot be explained by sequential reaction schemes.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

These behavioral differences cannot be explained by the overconfidence hypothesis.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

The high rates cannot be explained without anhydrite dissolution.

Earth-Science Reviews

This reduced responsiveness cannot be explained by tolerance.

Brain Research Bulletin

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be explained" to acknowledge gaps in knowledge or understanding, especially when dealing with complex or abstract concepts. This adds transparency and avoids oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be explained" as a substitute for further investigation or analysis. Instead, acknowledge the limitations while still striving to provide some level of insight or possible explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be explained" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates that a particular subject is incapable of being elucidated or understood through conventional methods or current knowledge. Ludwig confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be explained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate a lack of understanding or a situation where clear explanations are absent. Predominantly found in science and news contexts, its usage spans from neutral to formal registers. While useful for acknowledging limitations, avoid overusing it as a substitute for deeper exploration. Alternatives like "is inexplicable" or "defies explanation" offer nuanced substitutes. Remember, it's better to present possible explanations along with an acknowledgement that something "cannot be explained" than to simply leave it at that.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inexplicable

Replaces "cannot be explained" with a single adjective meaning unexplainable. The change makes the sentence more concise.

defies explanation

Uses a verb-noun structure to express the inability to explain something, implying a challenge to understanding.

remains a mystery

Indicates that something is not understood and continues to be puzzling. Focus shifts to the unknown nature of the subject.

is beyond comprehension

Highlights the difficulty in understanding, suggesting that something is too complex to grasp.

is not readily understood

Emphasizes the lack of immediate or easy understanding, suggesting that more effort is needed to comprehend the subject.

escapes understanding

Similar to "defies explanation", but focuses on the idea that understanding is actively avoiding or eluding someone.

is unfathomable

Emphasizes the depth and complexity of something that makes it impossible to fully understand.

lacks a clear rationale

Focuses on the absence of a logical or rational basis for something, rather than the inability to explain it.

is without a reason

A more direct and simple way of stating that something has no discernible cause or justification.

is not accountable

Implies that there is no justification or reason to be given, often used in contexts where justification is expected.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be explained" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be explained" to describe situations where there's no clear reason or understanding for something. For example: "The sudden market crash "cannot be explained" by economic factors alone."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be explained"?

Alternatives include "is inexplicable", "defies explanation", or "remains a mystery". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "is inexplicable" suggests something is inherently impossible to explain.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cannot be explained"?

Yes, "cannot be explained" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms this as well, based on its analysis of countless real-world examples.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be explained" in writing?

It's appropriate when you genuinely want to convey that something lacks a clear explanation or understanding, whether due to complexity, mystery, or insufficient data. Use it sparingly to maintain impact.