explication

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'explanation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that provides an understanding of the meaning of something or why something happened. For example, "The professor gave an explanation as to why students should attend every class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor have I come across a clear explanation of exactly how the program could be put to such a purpose.

The Economist

Another explanation for the drop in unemployment in some states could be that workers are giving up on the job search, points out David Cooper of the Economic Policy Institute.

The Guardian - Money

However, Thomas points to a lack of critical discussion and explanation of the very basis for Prevent's community work, the rationale for how some areas are selected rather than others, and a lack of transparency about the proportion of spending on combating different types of extremism.

The Guardian

Searching for an explanation I could think of only one answer, and that from their idiosyncratic laws; Chile is the only country in the world where it's illegal to get a divorce.

The Guardian - Travel

Money can buy votes but it can't buy an explanation for those votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's a simple explanation: we have reached the part of the campaign where politicians and the media are all dog-tired, have no idea which bit of the country they're in today and have a form of snow-blindness from the blizzard of policies the parties have pumped out.

The Guardian

Diniz says it's not clear why, but one likely explanation is that they are using contraception methods incorrectly.

The Guardian

The IPCC said the most "plausible" explanation for the location of the gun was that Duggan "was in the process of throwing it to his right as he was shot".

The Guardian

The last explanation is pleasing to my ears, but I also think it happens to be right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It followed that there had to be some explanation or justification for Ms Lawrie ignoring and disengaging with the inquiry.

The Guardian

The BBC press office's statement directly contradicted Khawaja's explanation of a prank, saying the accidental tweet had been linked to the training exercise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explanation" to introduce a section that clarifies a previously mentioned topic to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid providing explanations that are too general or lack specific details. A strong "explanation" should offer concrete evidence or reasoning to support its claims.

Linguistic Context

The word "explanation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a statement or account that makes something clear. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and examples from The Guardian illustrate its role in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "explanation" serves as a crucial noun in the English language, facilitating clarity and understanding across diverse communication settings. As a noun, "explanation" helps to convey reasons and provide accounts that make concepts or occurrences more comprehensible, as verified by Ludwig. Predominantly found within news and media sources, its register remains largely neutral, adjusting to various levels of formality based on the circumstance. While alternatives such as "clarification", "rationale", and "justification" offer nuanced substitutions, the core purpose of promoting understanding remains central to its utility. Remember to be specific in your "explanation", and avoid generic, non-detailed replies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarification

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

elucidation

Emphasizes the act of shedding light on a complex subject.

account

Refers to a detailed description of an event or phenomenon.

reasoning

Highlights the logical process behind a conclusion.

justification

Implies providing a valid reason or defense for something.

rationale

Refers to the underlying principles or logic of something.

interpretation

Focuses on explaining the meaning of something.

understanding

Emphasizes the mental grasp of a subject.

vindication

Suggests clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

defense

Highlights the act of arguing in favor of something.

FAQs

How can I use "explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "explanation" to describe the act of making something clear or understandable. For example, "The teacher provided a clear "explanation" of the concept."

What can I say instead of "explanation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "clarification", "rationale", or "justification".

Which is correct, "explanation of" or "explanation for"?

"Explanation of" is generally used when clarifying a concept or subject, while "explanation for" is used to provide a reason for an event or situation. Both are correct depending on the context.

What's the difference between "explanation" and "excuse"?

An "explanation" aims to clarify or provide understanding, while an "excuse" seeks to justify or defend a fault or wrongdoing. An "explanation" is neutral, but an "excuse" is an attempt to avoid blame.