closest explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closest explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is the most accurate or nearest to the truth among several options. Example: "After reviewing all the theories, the closest explanation for the phenomenon is the one proposed by Dr. Smith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Or at least, it's the closest explanation I can find.

The Guardian - Music

The 24 year old spoke with The Creators Project about his relationship with technology, and how this show is the closest explanation to his feelings about modern religion. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For those of you that would like a closer explanation: On the A-list you're a God and can do no wrong.

Huffington Post

Although this passage has some resemblance to the painting, a closer explanation can be found in the description of Daisy Buchanan as the "girl whose disembodied face floated along the dark cornices and blinding signs".

Wikipedia

"For a person who grew up in the '30s and '40s in the segregated South, with so many doors closed without explanation to me, libraries and books said, 'Here I am, read me,' " Ms. Angelou said.

The New York Times - Arts

The UK's Palestine Solidarity Campaign PSCC) is another organization whose bank accounts were closed without explanation last year by the Co-Operative Bank.

Vice

Some Havana bars closed without explanation, and rumors soon spread that a "momentous announcement" was coming, according to the Guardian.

Vice

Banksy closes his explanation of the Walled Off Hotel with bravado and a jab at the socio-economic situation of the Bristol-adjacent beacommunityity where he launched Dismaland.

Vice

Loftis closes his explanation with a challenge: "If you're anything like me, the results of this simple algorithm leave you itching to go build an online Terragen, a jetpack­-based first person shooter, fishing simulator, MMORPG, etc.

Vice

I think we get closer to an explanation when Depp talks about The Rum Diary, and his friendship with Hunter S Thompson.

The Guardian - Film

Gordon Rugg, a computer scientist at Keele University, in England, thinks he may be one step closer to an explanation of how the text might have been created.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closest explanation", ensure that you have presented or implied alternative explanations for context. This clarifies that you're selecting the most suitable option from a range of possibilities.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "closest explanation" as a definitive answer if there's still uncertainty. Use qualifiers like "appears to be" or "suggests" to indicate a degree of tentativeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closest explanation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "closest" modifies "explanation". It identifies a particular explanation as being the most accurate or likely among several possibilities. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closest explanation" is used to identify the most accurate or likely explanation among multiple possibilities. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. It finds applications across various contexts, primarily in news, science and encyclopedic contents. The analysis suggests that while grammatically sound, it should be used with caution to avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives such as "most likely explanation" or "most accurate explanation", can provide subtle differences in emphasis. The phrase is uncommon but suitable for formal and informal communication, provided it's used in a context where multiple explanations are being considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearest explanation

Simple synonym, replacing "closest" with "nearest" maintains the meaning with minimal change.

most likely explanation

Focuses on probability, implying the explanation is the most probable among others.

most plausible explanation

Highlights believability, suggesting the explanation is the most believable.

best explanation

Indicates superiority, implying the explanation is superior to alternatives.

most fitting explanation

Emphasizes suitability, suggesting the explanation fits the facts best.

most accurate explanation

Stresses precision, indicating the explanation is the most accurate.

leading explanation

Implies prominence, suggesting the explanation is the most widely accepted.

primary explanation

Highlights the main explanation, focusing on the central or dominant reason.

prevailing explanation

Indicates widespread acceptance, suggesting the explanation is commonly held.

most compelling explanation

Focuses on persuasiveness, implying the explanation is convincing and persuasive.

FAQs

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

You can use "closest explanation" when you want to indicate that a particular explanation is the most likely or accurate among several possibilities. For example: "After considering all the evidence, the "closest explanation" for the increase in sales is the new marketing campaign".

What is a good alternative to "closest explanation"?

Alternatives to "closest explanation" include "most likely explanation", "most plausible explanation", or "best explanation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "closest explanation" in formal writing?

Yes, "closest explanation" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context supports the claim and that you're not overstating the certainty of the explanation. Alternatives like "most accurate explanation" may be preferred in some academic contexts.

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

"Closest explanation" implies that among several possibilities, one is more likely or accurate than the others. "Possible explanation" simply means that something is a potential explanation, without necessarily being the most likely one. The "closest explanation" carries a stronger implication of accuracy or likelihood.