explain the result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the result" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to explain the outcome of something, such as an experiment or a situation. For example, "Can you explain the result of the election?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How can I explain the result?

The Guardian - Sport

Sampson said the turnover ratio helped explain the result.

The New York Times - Sports

But this seems insufficient to explain the result.

The New Yorker

Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, was at a loss to explain the result.

The Guardian - Sport

Linguists have wondered whether different languages encode different assumptions about morality, which might explain the result.

The Economist

That is, it's not at though one cannot explain the result this court reached in the most conventional standard way.

The New York Times

But, although this side of affairs was not perfect, no out-of-the-ordinary process seemed to explain the result.

The Economist

And, in a way I find hard to explain, the result was the saddest performance of the piece I'd ever heard.

The New Yorker

And some may have decided that Chavismo in government was more likely to preserve the peace than Chavismo in opposition.Two other factors help to explain the result.

The Economist

West Ham's manager Sam Allardyce pointed the finger at his debutant defender Callum McNaughton, who was sent off during his side's second-round defeat by Aldershot on Wednesday night, to explain the result.

The Guardian - Sport

If a seemingly good team has gone 6-18 during a month, you won't have to dig around too long before you find some anomalous numbers that help to explain the result.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the result" in scientific writing, ensure your explanation is supported by evidence and clearly articulates the mechanisms or factors contributing to the observed outcome.

Common error

Avoid offering explanations that are too broad or lack specific details. Provide precise information to support your explanation of "explain the result".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the result" primarily functions as a request or statement regarding the clarification of an outcome. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it used both as a direct question and within declarative sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain the result" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions to seek or provide clarification regarding an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase is prevalent in both scientific and news contexts and is suitable for a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure your explanation is specific and supported by evidence. Consider alternative phrases like "elucidate the outcome" or "interpret the outcome" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate the outcome

Replaces "explain" with "elucidate", which means to make something clear or easy to understand.

clarify the findings

Substitutes "result" with "findings", indicating a more specific, research-oriented context.

interpret the outcome

Focuses on the act of interpreting the result, suggesting a deeper analysis.

provide a rationale for the result

Emphasizes the reasoning behind the result, rather than just the explanation of it.

account for the outcome

Suggests a more comprehensive explanation, covering all aspects of how the result came about.

give reasons for the result

Uses simpler language, focusing on providing a list of reasons.

spell out the implications of the result

Highlights the consequences or effects of the result.

break down the result

Focuses on simplifying a complex result into more understandable components.

shed light on the result

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest making the result clearer.

decode the outcome

Suggests unraveling a complex or mysterious result.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain the result" when you need someone to clarify the outcome of something. For example, "Can you explain the result of the experiment?" or "The manager was at a loss to explain the result of the sales decline".

What can I say instead of "explain the result"?

You can use alternatives like "elucidate the outcome", "interpret the outcome", or "clarify the findings" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "explain the result" and "explain the reason"?

"Explain the result" focuses on clarifying the outcome, while "explain the reason" emphasizes the justification or cause behind something. The former is about understanding what happened, the latter about why it happened. Example: Explain the result of the medical test versus explain the reason for the medical test.

Is "explain the results" grammatically correct?

Yes, "explain the results" is grammatically correct. The difference between "explain the result" and "explain the results" lies in whether you are referring to a single outcome or multiple outcomes. For instance, if a study had multiple findings, you would ask to "explain the results".