certain explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific or particular explanation that is known or implied in the context. Example: "The scientist provided a certain explanation for the phenomenon that clarified many doubts among the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Copying is the almost certain explanation.

The New York Times

Sometimes they offer a hypothesis, he said, but never a certain explanation.

The New York Times

This is hardly alien to our understanding of how the body, mind and external circumstances work inextricibly together, and how difficult it is to discern any single cause of mental functioning, positive or negative, no matter how much we yearn for a simple, certain explanation.

The Guardian - Books

If this activity is applied for youngsters with certain explanation, it is possible to shape their minds.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The second condition indicates the usage of a scientific law (an accepted theory) and a reference to why it can be applied for a certain explanation (scientific laws and basic conditions are called the explanans).

European Journal of Futures Research

We have to share values in order to live in a society and we need a certain explanation of why these values can be universal.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We may hope that "nothing should be hid" from us, but certain explanations can only ever be hidden.

The New Yorker

But the legal process also shaped their expressions of racial ideology by favoring certain explanations over others.

Princeton University

The conscious mind makes certain preparations and maneuvers, and may afterward come up with certain explanations, but the important work of thought and creation is coming out of the unknowable.

The New York Times - Arts

In the last two or three years, thanks to the LHC and other experiments, we've been able to rule out certain explanations for dark matter, and this is forcing us to reevaluate what we think dark matter is.

Princeton University

In particular, some have argued that certain explanations of nominalist facts make essential reference to abstract objects (Baker 2005; Batterman 2010).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain explanation", ensure the context makes it clear what specific aspect or element makes the explanation "certain". Avoid vagueness by providing further details or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "certain explanation" as a filler phrase. Replace it with more descriptive language that provides context about why the explanation is considered "certain", such as "well-supported explanation" or "evidence-based explanation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain explanation" functions as a noun phrase where "certain" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes a particular type of explanation that is definite or assured. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English and refers to a specific or particular explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain explanation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an explanation that possesses a degree of definiteness or assurance. While not exceedingly common, it is consistently used across science, news media, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Related phrases like ""specific explanation"" or ""precise explanation"" can offer more descriptive alternatives depending on the intended nuance. When employing this phrase, it is beneficial to provide adequate context to clarify the basis for the explanation's certainty, thereby enhancing clarity and avoiding potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific explanation

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a particular and clearly defined explanation.

precise explanation

Uses "precise" to emphasize the accuracy and exactness of the explanation.

definite explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the explanation.

particular explanation

Similar to "specific", highlighting a distinct and individual explanation.

undoubted explanation

Highlights the indisputable nature of the explanation.

sure explanation

Indicates confidence and reliability in the explanation.

established explanation

Suggests that the explanation is well-recognized and accepted.

clear explanation

Highlights the ease of understanding of the explanation.

convincing explanation

Emphasizes the persuasive power of the explanation.

plausible explanation

Suggests the explanation is believable and likely.

FAQs

How can I use "certain explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "certain explanation" when referring to a specific, known, or implied explanation. For instance, "The data provided a "certain explanation" for the unexpected results."

What are some alternatives to "certain explanation"?

Alternatives include "specific explanation", "precise explanation", or "definite explanation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a certain explanation" or "one explanation"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a "certain explanation"" implies a known or particular explanation, while "one explanation" simply indicates that there is at least one explanation available.

What's the difference between "certain explanation" and "possible explanation"?

"Certain explanation" suggests a high degree of confidence or evidence supporting the explanation, whereas "possible explanation" indicates a potential explanation that may or may not be accurate.