defensible explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defensible explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that can be justified or supported with reasoning or evidence. Example: "The researcher provided a defensible explanation for the unexpected results in the study, citing previous literature and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a less defensible explanation too: "Hollywood's value system is not necessarily about growth," says Dan Jansen, who runs the Boston Consulting Group's media practice.

The Economist

WASHINGTON -- When Mitt Romney told a crowd in Ohio last week that he had read a report saying Jeep was "thinking of moving all production to China," there was at least a potentially defensible explanation.

Huffington Post

However, we have to ask whether signaling through the electromagnetic field may provide a defensible explanation of the observed effects.

Cell Communication and Signaling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I am also persuaded that "Inference to Best Explanation" is a valid way to do science, but also encouraged by what I take is the authors' admission that the existence of other defensible explanations for the same "surprising fact" strengthens our (mine and Eric Bapteste's) claim that whatever Darwin meant by the Tree "simile", it could/should now be taken as an hypothesis.

Biology Direct

If there is no defensible theory of explanation embodying a non-trivially constraining relevance relation, it cannot be a good criticism of van Fraassen's theory that he fails to provide this[26].

SEP

"Everything I say in there is completely defensible with proper context and explanation.

The New Yorker

If so, the idea that the DN/IS requirements are at least necessary conditions for ideal explanation may be defensible after all, although the counterexamples to the sufficiency of the model noted in will remain.

SEP

Hence, teaching toward student "acceptance of evolution as the best scientific explanation currently available" (p. 341) is a more ethically defensible educational goal as long as it is not required of students (Southerland et al. [2001]), a conclusion similarly reached by Smith and Siegel ([2004]).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Such debates will not end our political disagreements, but they will set much higher standards of discussion, requiring fuller explanations of positions and even modifications to make them more defensible.

The New York Times

Thus, to the extent that they are defensible, his approach to aitia may be regarded as blurring the canons of causation and explanation.

SEP

Were our actions defensible?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defensible explanation", ensure that the context provides, or at least alludes to, the reasons or evidence that make the explanation defensible. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting an explanation as "defensible" without providing any context or reasoning that supports its validity. Readers should be able to understand why the explanation is considered defensible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensible explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defensible" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes an explanation that can be justified or supported with evidence or reasoning. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defensible explanation" is a phrase used to describe an explanation that is justifiable and supportable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and found in diverse sources such as news media and scientific publications. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent and conveys a clear meaning: that the explanation is based on sound reasoning and evidence. To enhance your writing, ensure that you provide context or reasons for why the explanation is defensible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defendable rationale

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "explanation" with "rationale".

justifiable explanation

Focuses on the justification aspect, implying the explanation is reasonable and fair.

supportable rationale

Emphasizes the logical foundation and evidence backing the explanation.

tenable interpretation

Highlights that the explanation is maintainable or arguable, suggesting it can withstand scrutiny.

plausible account

Suggests the explanation is believable and likely, even if not definitively proven.

credible account

Stresses that the explanation is believable and convincing.

arguable justification

Indicates the explanation can be defended with arguments, even if other explanations exist.

valid interpretation

Focuses on the correctness and logical soundness of the explanation.

reasoned explanation

Highlights the presence of logical thought and reasoning in the explanation.

sustainable argument

Emphasizes the ability of the argument to hold up under scrutiny and remain valid over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "defensible explanation" to describe a justification that can be supported with evidence or reasoning. For example: "The lawyer presented a "defensible explanation" for his client's actions based on the available evidence."

What's a good alternative to "defensible explanation"?

Alternatives include "justifiable explanation", "supportable rationale", or "plausible account". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean for an explanation to be "defensible"?

For an explanation to be "defensible" means that it can be supported with logical arguments, evidence, or reasoning. It suggests that the explanation is not easily refuted and has a solid foundation.

Is it always necessary to provide the defense when offering a "defensible explanation"?

While not always explicitly required, it is best practice to at least hint at the reasons why the explanation is defensible. This helps the audience understand the validity and strength of the explanation being offered.