explanation lies within

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanation lies within" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that the answer or reasoning is contained in a specific context or source. Example: "The solution to the problem is complex, but the explanation lies within the data we collected during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Another possible explanation lies within the context of wage contracts.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

An explanation lies within the technicalities of bankruptcy law in the USA.

Business Research

But another big explanation lies within her family: her son and daughter in law have created a political and personal nightmare for her.

Huffington Post

One possible explanation lies within the choice of assay used to monitor endothelial cell tubulogenesis.

Biology Open

I suppose each of these plays its own distinct role in our special regard for that part of life we call childhood, but I prefer to imagine that the most profound explanation lies within our own memories of childhood – and the dreams that those memories inspire in us even until our dying hours.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The explanation lies with costs.

The Economist

Much of the explanation lies with Kheli's teacher, Lucas Dosseh.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Ridley, a zoologist by training, weighs up these arguments but insists, in the end, that the explanation lies not within man's brain but outside: innovation is a collective phenomenon.

The Economist

Another possible explanation lies in the high levels of linkage disequilibrium within the MDR1 gene with C3435T in linkage with the true causal variant [ 5].

BMC Gastroenterology

One explanation lies in the fact that the immigrant supply shock has been mainly concentrated within these specific experience groups (Edo 2015).

IZA Journal of Migration

Nevertheless, most of the explanation probably lies within the part of CXCL9 that is not in the model; the amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal degraded by SpeB cannot be modeled, indicating that these parts are largely unstructured or flexible.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explanation lies within" to suggest a deeper, perhaps less obvious, reason or cause that is contained within a specific context or system. This emphasizes the importance of looking internally or within a defined boundary for the answer.

Common error

Avoid using "explanation lies within" when a simpler, more direct phrasing would suffice. Overusing this phrase in simple situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanation lies within" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the reason or cause is contained within a specific context or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase connects a phenomenon with its inherent cause.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanation lies within" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to indicate that the reason or cause is contained within a specific context, situation, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its presence in diverse sources such as science, news, and formal business contexts highlights its versatility. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants a deeper, perhaps less obvious explanation, avoiding overuse in simplistic scenarios. Alternatives like "the answer is found within" or "the rationale resides within" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the desired emphasis. Overall, the phrase effectively guides readers to look internally or within defined boundaries to uncover the underlying causes or reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation is found within

Focuses on the act of finding rather than the state of being contained.

the rationale resides within

Uses "resides" to imply a more permanent or inherent presence.

the answer is contained within

Replaces "explanation" with "answer" to broaden the scope.

the source of the explanation is within

Highlights the origin or source of the explanation.

the root cause lies within

Specifies that the explanation is a fundamental cause.

the basis for the explanation is within

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the explanation.

the key to understanding lies within

Shifts the focus to understanding as the goal.

the secret lies inside

Replaces "explanation" with "secret" suggesting a hidden aspect.

the solution is internal

Uses "internal" to indicate that the solution comes from within a system or entity.

the underlying reason is internal

Highlights that the reason exists internally.

FAQs

How can I use "explanation lies within" in a sentence?

Use "explanation lies within" to indicate that the reason or answer is contained within a specific context, situation, or system. For example, "The solution to the company's declining profits is complex, but the "explanation lies within" its outdated business model."

What are some alternatives to "explanation lies within"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the answer is found within", "the rationale resides within", or "the key to understanding lies within". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "the explanation lies within" or "the explanation is within"?

While "the explanation is within" is grammatically correct, "the explanation lies within" is often preferred because it sounds more natural and idiomatic. It emphasizes that the explanation is not just present, but also deeply connected to the context.

What does it mean when someone says "the explanation lies within"?

It means that the reason or answer to a question or problem can be found by looking closely at the details, circumstances, or internal workings of something, rather than seeking external factors.