explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

"explanation of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that explains a concept, idea, or thing. For example, "The explanation of the law is quite complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Explanation of the word.

The New Yorker

Explanation of how it arose.

The New Yorker

Explanation of those categories.

The New Yorker

Explanation of timelines and grading process.

The Guardian

This explanation, of course, explains very little.

The New York Times

It is the explanation of the Empire.

The New Yorker

(Here's a good explanation of why).

The New Yorker

There was no explanation of the title.

The New York Times - Arts

(a) Read your explanation of benefits.

The New Yorker

Explanation of Benefits Skip this section.

The New Yorker

Explanation of the myth of American productivity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanation of", ensure that the explanation directly relates to the subject being discussed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language when providing an "explanation of" complex topics. Aim for clarity and accessibility for your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanation of" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a noun or noun phrase that provides clarification or understanding. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanation of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to introduce the reasoning or details behind a concept, event, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "reason for" or "justification of" exist, "explanation of" maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for diverse communication contexts. Ensure clarity and accessibility when using this phrase to effectively convey understanding to your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidation of

Emphasizes clarifying or making something more understandable.

clarification of

Suggests removing ambiguity or confusion.

reason for

Focuses on the cause or motive behind something, rather than the explanation itself.

exposition of

Implies a detailed and systematic presentation of a topic.

justification for

Implies a defense or validation of an action or decision.

account of

Refers to a narrative or description of events.

interpretation of

Highlights a particular understanding or perspective on a subject.

definition of

Focuses on providing the meaning of a term or concept.

description of

Offers a detailed account of something's features or characteristics.

analysis of

Involves a detailed examination and evaluation of a subject.

FAQs

How do I use "explanation of" in a sentence?

You can use "explanation of" to introduce the reasoning or details behind a concept, event, or situation. For example, "The explanation of the phenomenon is complex."

What are some alternatives to "explanation of"?

Alternatives include "reason for", "justification for", or "account of", depending on the specific context.

Which is the correct usage: "explanation of" or "explanation about"?

"Explanation of" is generally preferred. "Explanation about" is less common and can sound awkward. It's better to use "explanation of" followed by the subject being explained.

What's the difference between "explanation of" and "definition of"?

"Explanation of" provides a broader understanding of a topic, while "definition of" focuses specifically on the meaning of a term. For example, you might give an explanation of a complex theory or the "definition of a word".