explaining the discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explaining the discrepancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or clarifying differences or inconsistencies in data, information, or situations. Example: "The report includes a section dedicated to explaining the discrepancy between the projected and actual sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Explaining the discrepancy in figures, he blamed his min istry for "not being well-prepared for public health emergencies" and admitted that "the epidemic control system is comparatively weak".

The Guardian

I am suggesting that the belief that Muslims are somehow less American, or even less human, is widespread, and is a substantial factor in explaining the discrepancy I began by identifying.

The Guardian - Opinion

The undersea plumes may go a long way toward explaining the discrepancy between the flow estimates, suggesting that much of the oil emerging from the well could be lingering far below the sea surface.

The New York Times

A partner who received a 20-year sentence for the same act of "counterrevolutionary sabotage" will be released two years early -- in 2007 -- because he has repented of his crimes during the ill-fated democracy movement of early 1989, the authorities said, not explaining the discrepancy in their treatment.

The New York Times

(The team was careful to point out that there remained a 1 in 100 chance that their results were a statistical fluke and that other eerie effects, like previously undetected dimensions in the fabric of space, were also candidates for explaining the discrepancy if it held up -- both possibilities that Archimedes surely never faced).

The New York Times - Science

The correlation between obesity and low income goes some way toward explaining the discrepancy — the recession was particularly hard on this segment of the market, with sales declining 10 percent between 2008 and 2009, a drop twice that of the women's apparel industry over all — but it doesn't explain it entirely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A Morgan Stanley spokesman could not explain the discrepancy between the two messages.

The New York Times

It may be this degree of complexity which explains the discrepancies in interpretations of previous studies.

Geochemical Transactions

What explains the discrepancy?

The Economist

HOW to explain the discrepancy?

The New York Times

Economic feasibility explains the discrepancy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explaining the discrepancy", ensure you provide specific and verifiable reasons for the difference. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid presenting a possible explanation as a definitive one. Use qualifiers like "potentially" or "may suggest" when the explanation is not fully confirmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explaining the discrepancy" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the action of clarifying or accounting for a difference or inconsistency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explaining the discrepancy" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce reasons for differences or inconsistencies. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting. The phrase's frequency and usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability. When using this phrase, ensure that explanations are specific and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives such as "clarifying the inconsistency" or "accounting for the difference" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying the inconsistency

Focuses on making the inconsistency clear rather than providing an explanation.

accounting for the difference

Emphasizes providing a reason or justification for the observed difference.

resolving the contradiction

Highlights the attempt to eliminate conflicting elements.

elucidating the variance

Offers a more formal tone, focusing on shedding light on the variance.

determining the cause of the disparity

Shifts the focus to identifying the specific cause of the disparity.

investigating the anomaly

Suggests a more investigative approach to understanding the unusual occurrence.

unraveling the mystery

Implies a complex and puzzling situation that requires solving.

deciphering the incongruity

Focuses on interpreting something that doesn't fit or align.

shedding light on the divergence

Emphasizes the act of making the divergence more understandable.

giving reasons for the gap

Provides a straightforward way to describe offering explanations for the gap.

FAQs

How can I use "explaining the discrepancy" in a sentence?

You can use "explaining the discrepancy" to introduce the reasons behind a difference or inconsistency, for example, "The study aims at "explaining the discrepancy" between theoretical predictions and experimental results."

What's a formal alternative to "explaining the discrepancy"?

A more formal alternative is "accounting for the difference" or "elucidating the variance". Both phrases are suitable for academic and professional contexts.

Is it always necessary to fully explain the discrepancy when using the phrase?

While a complete explanation is ideal, sometimes acknowledging the attempt to explain it is sufficient, even if the reasons are not fully clear. For example, "Several factors contribute to "explaining the discrepancy", though further research is needed."

How does "explaining the discrepancy" differ from "ignoring the discrepancy"?

"Explaining the discrepancy" involves addressing and providing reasons for differences. In contrast, ignoring the discrepancy involves overlooking or dismissing the differences without providing any explanation.