conceivable explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceivable explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possible reasons or interpretations for a situation or phenomenon that can be imagined or thought of. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the detective proposed a conceivable explanation for the suspect's whereabouts during the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Crowd pressure is the only conceivable explanation.

The Guardian - Sport

The only conceivable explanation is that the HFEA is feeling undue political pressure from its host department.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost every conceivable explanation for the home run increase can be found on the web and some of them may turn out to be relevant.

Stanford University

But the only conceivable explanation of Labour's position on Scotland's future is hatred so deep, they'd rather join the Bullingdon club and risk oblivion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decision to remove Mr. Wright, a step supported by prosecutors, "has no conceivable explanation except retaliation for litigating a case so well," Professor Dow said.

The New York Times

"The only conceivable explanation is that the railroad wanted to use the genetic testing to argue that they would have gotten carpal tunnel anyway, so they shouldn't get workers' compensation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

There are two conceivable explanations: the small number of subjects with AZOOR, which may not be representative of the diseases as a whole, and subclinical acute inflammation leading to the thickening effect described by Aoyagi and colleagues.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

With so many conceivable explanations, the one thing I know for sure is that attraction cannot be reduced to umbrella terms like "yellow fever".

Vice

There are several conceivable explanations for these contradictory observations.

Plosone

Several conceivable explanations have been proposed.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

In addition to a tight transcriptional and (post- translational control there are several other conceivable expost- translational observation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conceivable explanation", ensure the context clearly establishes what needs explaining. Providing background information enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "conceivable explanation" as the only possible explanation. Acknowledge that other explanations may exist to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceivable explanation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "conceivable" modifies the noun "explanation". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and correct in written English. It serves to introduce a reason or interpretation that can be imagined or understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceivable explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for introducing a reason or interpretation that is imaginable and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, especially in science and news media. When writing, using "conceivable explanation" provides a way to suggest a plausible reason, provided it isn't presented as the definitive explanation. Alternatives like "possible reason" or "plausible rationale" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale", suggesting a reasoned basis, and "conceivable" with "plausible", indicating believability.

possible justification

Substitutes "explanation" with "justification", implying a defense or reason for something, and "conceivable" with "possible", indicating a potentiality.

imaginable cause

Replaces "explanation" with "cause", focusing on the reason for something happening, and "conceivable" with "imaginable", highlighting the capacity to be envisioned.

potential reason

Changes "explanation" to "reason", a general term for why something is, and "conceivable" to "potential", suggesting possibility.

understandable account

Replaces "conceivable" with "understandable", indicating ease of comprehension, and "explanation" with "account", suggesting a narrative or description.

credible interpretation

Substitutes "explanation" with "interpretation", focusing on the meaning or understanding of something, and "conceivable" with "credible", indicating believability.

feasible hypothesis

Replaces "explanation" with "hypothesis", suggesting a proposed explanation based on limited evidence, and "conceivable" with "feasible", indicating practicality.

tenable theory

Replaces "explanation" with "theory", suggesting a comprehensive explanation, and "conceivable" with "tenable", indicating defensibility.

valid deduction

Changes "explanation" to "deduction", focusing on a conclusion reached through reasoning, and "conceivable" to "valid", suggesting soundness.

logical inference

Replaces "explanation" with "inference", highlighting a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, and "conceivable" with "logical", indicating rationality.

FAQs

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

You can use "conceivable explanation" to introduce a possible reason or interpretation for something, as in "One "plausible explanation" for the data is that the sample was contaminated".

What are some alternatives to "conceivable explanation"?

Some alternatives include "possible reason", "plausible rationale", or "imaginable cause", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "conceivable explanation" or "possible explanation"?

"Conceivable explanation" and "possible explanation" are quite similar. "Conceivable" suggests something that can be imagined or understood, while "possible" simply indicates something that could occur. Choose the term that best fits the context.

When should I use "conceivable" versus "plausible" in relation to an explanation?

"Conceivable" means capable of being imagined or understood. "Plausible" suggests that something is believable or likely. A "conceivable" explanation might be one that you can imagine, but a "plausible explanation" is one that seems more likely to be true.