explanation that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'explanation that' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to introduce a statement that explains something. For example: "The explanation that I received from my teacher was that I hadn't studied enough for the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's an explanation that clearly exasperates Diamond.

The New Yorker

But the explanation that followed was more nuanced.

The Guardian - Music

"I was desperate for an explanation that sounded plausible.

The Guardian

We're masochists: it's the only explanation that makes any sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

But any explanation that fits every situation ultimately explains nothing.

The Guardian - Tech

I've attached an explanation that may assist" - Lori Messori.

The Guardian - Sport

First, it's the only explanation that fits the facts.

The New York Times

The one explanation that was offered was depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an explanation that would warm Garrison Keillor's heart, he credited Northwest's location near Minneapolis.

The New York Times

"Whatever explanation that seemed to make sense in the past just didn't cut it anymore".

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the kind of environmental explanation that makes intuitive sense to us.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explanation that" when you want to introduce a statement providing clarity or justification for something.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "explanation that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to improve flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanation that" functions as a connector, introducing a clause that provides clarification or justification. As shown by Ludwig, it connects a statement with its underlying reason or cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanation that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used connector that introduces a clause providing clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, aiming to offer clarity and rationale. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons and to consider alternatives like "reason being" or "the rationale". Overall, "explanation that" serves as a reliable tool for enhancing understanding by presenting underlying reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reasoning behind

Similar to "the rationale", this emphasizes the logical process used to arrive at a conclusion.

the rationale

This refers specifically to the underlying reasons or logic behind something.

reason being

This alternative provides a more concise way to introduce an explanation, often used in informal contexts.

the argument is

This indicates a reasoned explanation or defense of a particular viewpoint.

account of

This phrase suggests a detailed explanation or description of an event or situation.

justification provided

This is a more formal way of indicating that an explanation has been given, often used in professional or academic settings.

the grounds for

This phrase suggests a formal or legal justification for an action or decision.

the cause of

This alternative focuses on identifying the direct cause or origin of something.

the idea is

This phrase introduces a concept or understanding that explains something.

the story is

This alternative provides an informal narrative or account of events.

FAQs

How can I use "explanation that" in a sentence?

You can use "explanation that" to introduce a clause that clarifies a point. For example, "The "explanation" that he provided was insufficient".

What are some alternatives to "explanation that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reason being", "justification provided", or "the "rationale"" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "explanation that"?

While grammatically correct, overuse can lead to repetitive writing. Consider rephrasing or using alternative phrases for variety.

What's the difference between "explanation that" and "reason why"?

"Explanation that" introduces a clarifying statement, while "reason why" focuses specifically on the cause or motive behind something.