explain the basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify the reasoning or justification behind a particular statement, decision, or action. Example: "In your report, please explain the basis for your conclusions regarding the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We will continue our dialogue and efforts to explain the basis for any decision to deploy national missile defense".

The New York Times

For the time being, concern about machine intuition is moot: it doesn't really matter that AlphaGo cannot explain the basis for its intuitive moves in go.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Obama administration has tried to explain the basis for its actions under international law just as it has under domestic law.

The New York Times

He offered no proof, and when asked outside his Florida home on Friday to explain the basis for his assertions, he said: "No, no, no, no, no.

The New York Times

Hoping to be the vanguard of a wider Shetland autonomy, Mr Hill posed a query: could the UK government explain the basis for its perceived authority in Shetland?

Independent

This is why the Obama administration has gone to unusual lengths, consistent with the need to protect intelligence, to explain the basis for and limits on its actions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In part, legal experts said, there is confusion because I.R.S. officials, citing confidentiality restrictions, have not explained the basis for the decision.

The New York Times

"The Russian commission has talked to us and explained the basis for their analysis," said William H. Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of NASA's human exploration and operations mission directorate.

The New York Times - Science

The Federal District Court for the District of Columbia had already sent the issue back to the National Park Service to develop a new rule more fully explaining the basis for its conclusions, closing the case and setting no timeline for the new rule.

The New York Times

Despite repeated requests for additional information about what was behind the warning, Russian officials never explained the basis for their concern until after the Boston bombing, which killed three people and wounded more than 260.

The New York Times

Indeed, in a footnote, the assistant district attorneys handling the case, Joan Illuzzi-Orbon Illuzzi-Orbon and John McConnellhe motion explained the basis for their request that the charges be dismissed, but made no factual findings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the basis for", ensure your explanation is clear, concise, and supported by evidence. Avoid ambiguity and jargon to make your reasoning accessible to a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid making the explanation unnecessarily complex. Focus on providing the key reasons and evidence without getting bogged down in excessive detail or technical language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the basis for" functions as a purpose connector, introducing a clause that clarifies the reasons or justification behind a statement, decision, or action. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain the basis for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to request or provide a detailed explanation of the reasoning behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to effectively communicate the underlying reasons. While "explain the basis for" is a great choice for many scenarios, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use depending on the desired level of formality, such as "justify the rationale behind" or "elucidate the reasons for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justify the rationale behind

Focuses on defending the reasoning.

elucidate the reasons for

Highlights clarifying the reasons.

clarify the justification for

Emphasizes making the justification clear.

detail the grounds for

Centers on providing detailed reasons.

outline the reasons for

Stresses giving a structured overview of the reasons.

account for the reasoning behind

Highlights giving a detailed explanation of the reasoning.

provide the explanation for

Focuses on giving an explanation.

reveal the causes of

Highlights uncovering the causes.

describe the reason for

Emphasizes giving a description of the reason.

demonstrate the logic of

Centers on showing the logic.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the basis for" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the basis for" when you want someone to clarify or justify the reasons behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "Can you explain the basis for your conclusion in the report?"

What is a more formal way to say "explain the basis for"?

A more formal alternative to "explain the basis for" could be "elucidate the reasons for" or "clarify the justification for". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is there a simpler way to say "explain the basis for"?

Yes, simpler alternatives include "explain the reason for" or just "explain why", depending on the context. These are more appropriate for informal situations.

What's the difference between "explain the basis for" and "justify the rationale behind"?

"Explain the basis for" is a general request for clarification of reasons. "Justify the rationale behind", on the other hand, implies a need to defend or provide a stronger argument for the reasoning.