explain the discrepancies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the discrepancies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or provide reasons for differences or inconsistencies in data, information, or findings. Example: "In your report, please explain the discrepancies between the two sets of data to ensure clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The curators, working on the project five years, seek to explain the discrepancies.

The New York Times

HOW did conservators explain the discrepancies back in the late 1970s?

The New York Times

Asked to explain the discrepancies between his accounts, Mr. Rangel replied, "I have no idea".

The New York Times

Unlike last year, there are no one-offs like big asset sales to explain the discrepancies.

The New York Times

While the article included comment from other parties to explain the discrepancies, The Times should have also asked the mayor's office for its response.

The New York Times

Two experts not involved in the Hauser-Hayes study said it was difficult to explain the discrepancies between the new report and Medtronic's data.

The New York Times

Many theories between now and 2020 will be put forward to explain the discrepancies, but none are likely to provide definitive answers.

The Guardian

Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain the discrepancies between POCT and core laboratory analyzers.

Annals of Intensive Care

Detailed analysis of HPMS experimental errors is given in an attempt to explain the discrepancies.

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

One possible variable that might explain the discrepancies is genetic background effects.

Cancer Letters

It is here that we can explain the discrepancies between the party's support groups and the party's policy agenda.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the discrepancies" in formal writing, ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what discrepancies are being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "explain the discrepancies" without clearly identifying what specific differences you are addressing. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the discrepancies" functions primarily as a request or instruction. It seeks to elicit an explanation or justification for observed differences or inconsistencies. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain the discrepancies" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to request clarification or justification for inconsistencies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly identify the discrepancies you are addressing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "clarify the differences" or "account for the inconsistencies" may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the differences

Focuses on making the distinctions clear, rather than providing reasons for them.

account for the inconsistencies

Emphasizes providing a justification or reason for the variations.

resolve the contradictions

Implies finding a way to make conflicting elements compatible.

elucidate the variations

Highlights the act of shedding light on the differences to make them understandable.

shed light on the disparities

Focuses on revealing the underlying reasons for the inequalities.

demystify the inconsistencies

Implies removing the confusion surrounding the variations.

provide reasons for the differences

Directly asks for the causes or explanations behind the dissimilarities.

give an explanation for the gaps

Emphasizes offering a rationale for the missing or differing elements.

offer insight into the divergences

Suggests providing a deeper understanding of the points where things separate.

spell out the rationale behind the deviations

Highlights the act of clearly stating the reasons for departing from what is expected.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the discrepancies" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the discrepancies" when you need someone to provide reasons or justifications for differences or inconsistencies. For example, "The auditors were asked to explain the discrepancies in the financial reports".

What's a formal alternative to "explain the discrepancies"?

A more formal alternative could be "account for the inconsistencies". This phrase implies a thorough justification for the differences.

Is it better to "explain the discrepancies" or "clarify the differences"?

The choice depends on the context. "Clarify the differences" focuses on making the distinctions clear, while "explain the discrepancies" seeks to provide reasons for those differences.

What kind of discrepancies are usually addressed with "explain the discrepancies"?

This phrase is commonly used to address discrepancies in data, reports, accounts, research findings, or any situation where there are inconsistencies that need clarification.