could explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possibility or offering a reason for something that may need clarification. Example: "The data we collected could explain the recent changes in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Souls could explain that.

Yale University

Any teenager could explain why.

The New York Times

That could explain a lot.

The New York Times - Magazine

So what could explain this?

The New York Times

That could explain it.

The Guardian

Cheating could explain both.

The Washington Post

What could explain this?

The Guardian - Opinion

That, too, could explain his slow development.

The New York Times - Sports

The way he could explain it.

The New York Times - Sports

What could explain this jacket convention?

The New York Times - Arts

"I wish I could explain it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could explain" to introduce a potential reason or hypothesis, especially when definitive proof is lacking. It's ideal for speculative analyses or when presenting various possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "could explain" when you have concrete evidence or data that confirms the explanation. In such cases, a more assertive phrase like "clearly demonstrates" or "definitively proves" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could explain" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a possibility, suggestion, or hypothesis regarding a particular situation or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a potential explanation rather than a definitive one. It is widely found and employed in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could explain" serves as a modal verb construction used to suggest a potential reason or hypothesis for something. It is deemed grammatically correct and highly versatile by Ludwig AI, finding frequent application in various writing contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic domains. While the phrase enjoys widespread use, it is crucial to avoid overstating certainty and instead, use more definitive language when solid evidence is available. When you aim to provide possible insight on a topic, this phrase is a suitable solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may account for

Suggests that something is a reason for or contributes to something else, implying a causal relationship.

could be attributed to

Points to a potential cause or origin, suggesting a connection between two things.

might clarify

Expresses a possibility of making something clearer, shifting the focus from explanation to clarification.

perhaps clarify

Similar to "might clarify", but with a slightly stronger sense of possibility and directness.

can elucidate

Indicates the ability to make something clear and easy to understand, emphasizing the removal of confusion.

can shed light on

Emphasizes the act of revealing information or understanding, similar to 'illuminate'.

potentially illuminate

Highlights the possibility of shedding light on a subject, making it more visible or comprehensible.

might give insight into

Focuses on providing a deeper understanding or perspective on a particular topic.

may demystify

Suggests the power to remove the mysterious or enigmatic nature of something, making it more understandable.

possibly reveal

Indicates the chance of uncovering or making something known, often something previously hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "could explain" in a sentence?

You can use "could explain" to introduce a possible reason or cause for something. For example, "The lack of funding "could explain" the project's delay".

What are some alternatives to "could explain"?

Alternatives to "could explain" include phrases like "might clarify", "may account for", or "can elucidate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "could explain" or "can explain"?

"Could explain" implies a possibility or suggestion, while "can explain" suggests an ability or capacity to explain. The choice depends on whether you're offering a potential reason or stating a capability. So both are grammatically correct depending on the context.

What's the difference between "could explain" and "might explain"?

"Could explain" and "might explain" are often used interchangeably to express a possibility. However, "could explain" sometimes suggests a slightly higher degree of likelihood or a more direct connection than "might explain".