explaining the reasons for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explaining the reasons for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide justification for a particular action, decision, or situation. Example: "In the meeting, she was tasked with explaining the reasons for the recent changes in the company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pamphlets explaining the reasons for the protest were distributed in theaters and concert halls.

The New York Times

But the editors are too modest when explaining the reasons for lapses in coverage and the impact of the coverage.

The New York Times

On Friday a letter from Mrs May to Sir Robert explaining the reasons for the decision was published.

The Guardian

In Tehran, Iranians watch President Barack Obama in the White House explaining the reasons for the deal.

The Economist

Send an email to dissertations [at] columbia.edu one month before the scheduled end of the embargo, briefly outlining the circumstances and explaining the reasons for the extension.

Columbia University

In the past, the King had praised Hassan for his loyalty, so the tone of the letter explaining the reasons for his dismissal was surprising.

The New York Times

Below is an extract from an article on Saturday 22 August the last day as the Manchester Guardian explaining the reasons for dropping Manchester from the paper's title.

The Guardian

The truth is NFL players have been explaining the reasons for their protest at length, on many platforms, and in pretty clear terms, for years.

The Washington Post

The new documents include a draft of a letter to Father Shanley that was intended to be signed by Cardinal Medeiros, explaining the reasons for his reassignment.

The New York Times

Fraser "does a splendid job of explaining the reasons for Christian Science's rise and fall," Philip Zaleski wrote here in 1999.

The New York Times - Books

The reaction to the complaints has been relatively minor, perhaps because the state is doing a better job at explaining the reasons for the increase.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explaining the reasons for", ensure your explanation is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the topic at hand. Avoid unnecessary jargon or ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid burying the core reasons within excessive detail. Start with the key explanation and then provide supporting details, not the other way around.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explaining the reasons for" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or decision with its underlying justification. It introduces a clause that elaborates on why something is the case. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to clarify motivations or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explaining the reasons for" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce justifications or clarifications. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a purpose connector, clarifying motivations and actions. Its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science, underscores its broad applicability. When using the expression, aim for clarity and avoid overcomplicating the explanation. Consider alternatives like ""providing a rationale for"" or ""justifying the rationale for"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

providing a rationale for

Emphasizes the logical basis or justification.

justifying the rationale for

Focuses more on the logical justification rather than a simple explanation.

clarifying the motives behind

Emphasizes uncovering the underlying motivations rather than just the surface reasons.

giving an account of why

Offers a narrative or descriptive explanation.

elucidating the basis of

A more formal way of saying explaining, often used in academic or technical contexts.

outlining the causes of

Specifically focuses on detailing the causal factors.

showing the purpose of

Highlights the intended goal or aim.

detailing the grounds for

Focuses on the formal or legal reasons.

presenting the details of

Focuses on laying out all the specific aspects.

setting forth the justification for

A formal and somewhat legalistic way of explaining.

FAQs

How can I use "explaining the reasons for" in a sentence?

You can use "explaining the reasons for" to introduce a justification or clarification. For example, "The document focused on "explaining the reasons for" the policy change".

What are some alternatives to "explaining the reasons for"?

Alternatives include "justifying the rationale for", "clarifying the motives behind", or "providing a rationale for" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "explaining the reasons for" and "giving the reasons for"?

"Explaining the reasons for" implies a more detailed or comprehensive account, while "giving the reasons for" can be a simpler, more direct statement. They are largely interchangeable, but the former suggests a more thorough explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "explaining the reasons for" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in any context where clarity and justification are important. Use it to introduce a detailed explanation in academic papers, business reports, or legal documents.