explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'explanations' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a noun. For example, "The teacher provided clear explanations of the concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fitzpatrick said he was "somewhat confused by looking at the explanations for the price rises over the past three or four weeks because we do not see really the same impact, especially in wholesale commodity prices.

The Guardian - Business

The plagues are strikingly recreated from a visual effects point of view, but one of Rameses' cronies pops up to provide boring rational explanations for them; and the Red Sea just sort of goes away of its own accord.

The Guardian - Film

Several competing explanations attempt to reconcile these trends, and getting it right is essential for calibrating monetary and fiscal policy appropriately.

The Guardian - Business

The commission has provided long explanations about the evidence-gathering process and the need to identify whether any of the complaints have been investigated by its predecessor, the Police Complaints Authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Explanations run from the practical -- a talent gap with the Galaxy – to the tactical: Portland can't make the adjustment from its cozy 110-by-74 pitch to the expansive 120-by-75 that greets them in SoCal.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked what the Fed will do, she points backward to what the Fed has done and to its explanations of why.

The Guardian - Business

Gérin told Mediapart he was not a beneficiary of the trust and said he would be asking for explanations from Le Pen and lawyers.

The Guardian

The South African media remains sceptical of the government's explanations.

The Guardian - Sport

He has three further explanations why Scaf's unpopularity has not affected Sisi: "Many of the people associated with the revolution itself, who were the biggest critics of Scaf, lost popularity along the way.

The Guardian

This film finds a number of plausible explanations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Explanations of how Britain came to be so centralised in the first place look back as far as the dismantling of regional structures that followed the Norman invasion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanations", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being explained and why. Providing specific details will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "explanations" in a way that obscures who is providing the explanations. Active voice often leads to clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explanations" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple accounts, reasons, or justifications offered to clarify something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, aligning with the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explanations" functions as a plural noun, commonly used to provide reasons or clarifications across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific publications. When using "explanations", clarity is key; specifying what is being explained enhances communication. While appropriate for neutral registers, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided to maintain directness. Alternatives such as ""reasons why"", ""clarifications"", and ""justifications"" can provide nuance, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifications

Emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

reasons why

Focuses specifically on the cause or justification behind something.

rationales

Implies a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief.

justifications

Highlights the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

elucidations

Indicates making something clear and easy to understand, often through detailed explanation.

accounts

Refers to a report or description of an event or experience.

grounds

Focuses on the basis or foundation for an opinion, action, or belief.

interpretations

Suggests different ways of understanding or explaining something.

theories

Presents a set of ideas intended to explain facts or events.

breakdowns

Suggests a detailed analysis or simplification of complex information.

FAQs

How can I use "explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "explanations" to refer to reasons or justifications provided for something. For instance, "The company provided detailed "reasons why" for the price increase."

What are some alternatives to using "explanations"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "clarifications", "justifications", or "accounts".

Is it better to use "explanations" or "reasons"?

The choice between "explanations" and "reasons" depends on the context. "Explanations" is a broader term, while "reasons" specifically refers to the cause or justification for something.

When is it appropriate to ask for "explanations"?

It's appropriate to ask for "explanations" when you need clarification or a better understanding of a situation, decision, or event. For example, "The customer demanded "justifications" for the unexpected charge."