could be explained by

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be explained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a reason or an explanation for something. For example, "The drastic change in his behavior could be explained by his recent move to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be explained by travel motives.

European Transport Research Review

The experimental profiles could be explained by the existing theories.

Chemical Engineering Science

This evolution could be explained by river flow rate activity.

Comptes Rendus Geoscience

This could be explained by lipid autoxidation and photo-oxidation.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

The microseismic events could be explained by the diffusion process.

Earth, Planets and Space

The resistive switching could be explained by conducting filamentary mechanism.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This result could be explained by the following processes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

More phenotypic variation could be explained by differences in haplotypes.

Rice

This partially could be explained by our model of work.

Annals of Intensive Care

This could be explained by lower intracellular concentrations of arsenic.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The small initial decrease of the thrust could be explained by inside superconducting current redistribution.

Physica C: Superconductivity and its Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be explained by" to introduce a hypothesis or a possible reason for an observed phenomenon, especially in scientific or analytical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could be explained by" when a definite cause-and-effect relationship has been established. Instead, opt for stronger phrasing like "is explained by" or "is caused by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be explained by" serves as a causal connector, introducing a potential explanation or reason for a particular observation or phenomenon. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The phrase functions to provide a possible, but not necessarily definitive, cause or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be explained by" functions as a causal connector, offering a potential explanation, primarily within scientific and analytical writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly employed to introduce reasoned hypotheses. The phrase maintains a formal and scientific register, often found in academic papers and research journals. Ludwig examples show the frequency in science-related sources, making this phrase a useful tool for clarifying complex relationships where certainty is not guaranteed. Given its prevalence, understanding its proper application can enhance the precision and clarity of your analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be attributable to

Replaces "explained" with "attributable", focusing on the cause or origin.

may be due to

Uses "due to" to indicate the cause or reason for something.

can be attributed to

Similar to "might be attributable to" but emphasizes the possibility of identifying a cause.

is possibly a result of

Highlights the potential outcome or consequence of a particular factor.

can be understood as

Shifts the focus to comprehension and interpretation rather than direct causation.

is potentially linked to

Emphasizes a connection or association, without definitively stating causation.

might stem from

Indicates that something originates or arises from a particular source.

is conceivably a consequence of

Suggests a possible outcome or effect, with a slightly more formal tone.

is perhaps a function of

Indicates that something is dependent on or influenced by another factor.

is possibly connected with

Suggests an association or relationship, implying a potential explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "could be explained by" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be explained by" is used to introduce a possible explanation for a phenomenon. For example: "The increase in sales could be explained by the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "could be explained by"?

Alternatives include "might be attributable to", "may be due to", or "can be attributed to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could be explained by" in formal writing?

Yes, "could be explained by" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or analytical contexts where presenting possible explanations is common.

What's the difference between "could be explained by" and "is explained by"?

"Could be explained by" suggests a possibility or hypothesis, while "is explained by" implies a confirmed or established explanation. The former indicates uncertainty, whereas the latter asserts a definite cause.