explain the reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain the reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want someone to clarify and justify the basis for their opinion. For example, "Can you explain the reasoning behind your decision to quit your job and move across the country?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You don't have to explain the reasoning.

The New York Times

Officials did not explain the reasoning behind the investigator's recommendation.

The New York Times

"I get it," he assures me as I rush to explain the reasoning.

The Guardian - Film

If requested, MYCIN would explain the reasoning that led to its diagnosis and recommendation.

Britannica

A reporter asked the officer to explain the reasoning behind that rule.

The New York Times

Students were able to explain the reasoning behind their implementation choices clearly.

University of California, Berkeley

I have six children and I find it impossible to explain the reasoning behind Britain's drug policies.

The Guardian

Contributors are asked to submit a target price for each stock; most also explain the reasoning behind their picks.

The New York Times

An appeals court asked Judge Leonard B. Sand last year to explain the reasoning in his 1997 ruling.

The New York Times

We can't even begin to explain the reasoning behind the expenditure of such an amount of money for one man".

The Guardian

Caught in the middle, clinicians were at a loss to explain the reasoning behind the VICP's decision.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the reasoning" in formal writing, ensure that the explanation is thorough, clear, and supported by evidence or logical arguments. Avoid ambiguity and provide sufficient context for the reader to understand the rationale fully.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "explain the reasoning" without providing the actual explanation or directing the audience where to find it. Always ensure the reasoning is transparent and well-supported, preventing misinterpretations or doubts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the reasoning" functions as an imperative request, typically used to solicit a detailed justification or clarification for a decision, action, or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

26%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain the reasoning" is a common and grammatically correct way to ask for a justification or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse writing scenarios. It’s primarily used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to seek understanding and promote transparency. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subsequent explanation is thorough, clear, and supported by evidence. Related phrases, such as "clarify the rationale" or "justify the decision", can offer alternative ways to express the need for explanation, each with slightly different connotations. Understanding these nuances can help tailor your language to the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the rationale

Focuses on the underlying logic or principles.

justify the decision

Emphasizes the act of defending or showing the validity of a choice.

elucidate the grounds

Highlights the foundational reasons or basis for something.

detail the justification

Stresses providing a comprehensive explanation to support a claim or action.

spell out the logic

Indicates a need for very clear and explicit explanation of the logical steps.

account for the basis

Emphasizes providing a reasoned explanation of the foundations or principles.

give the reasons for

Offers a straightforward request for the causes or motivations.

uncover the motivation

Focuses on revealing the underlying desires or incentives.

break down the analysis

Emphasizes a detailed and stepwise explanation of the analysis performed.

describe the why

Simplifies the request to understanding the purpose or cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain the reasoning" to ask someone to clarify the basis for their decision or opinion. For example, "Could you explain the reasoning behind your choice of this particular methodology?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to "explain the reasoning"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "clarify the rationale" or "elucidate the grounds" which convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it always necessary to "explain the reasoning" behind a decision?

While not always mandatory, explaining the reasoning behind a decision promotes transparency, builds trust, and allows others to understand and potentially support the decision. However, there might be situations where it's not feasible or appropriate to fully disclose the reasoning.

What's the difference between "justify the decision" and "explain the reasoning"?

"Justify the decision" implies defending or proving the validity of a choice, while "explain the reasoning" focuses on simply clarifying the thought process and motivations, without necessarily aiming to defend it.