invalid explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invalid explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an explanation that is not valid or does not hold up under scrutiny. Example: "The scientist dismissed the theory as an invalid explanation for the observed phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example could the health link be invalid as an explanation of the wage premium from low alcohol consumption or, alternatively, could the underlying epidemiological literature be in error.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Surely being homely and an invalid is all the explanation we desire for her neediness?

Huffington Post

The impersonator was told by Vietnamese immigration officials his visa was "invalid", but said he received no further explanation.

The Guardian

Ms. Hsiao said the protest vote was the "only explanation" for the number of invalid ballots, and she criticized the Nationalists for alleging fraud.

The New York Times

Using health as an explanation in the alcohol-wage literature appears invalid when applying the full epidemiological information instead of selected information.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Evolutionary theory is invalid because it is incomplete and cannot give a total explanation for the biodiversity we see around us.

University of California, Berkeley

MISCONCEPTION: Evolutionary theory is invalid because it is incomplete and cannot give a total explanation for the biodiversity we see around us.

University of California, Berkeley

We have suggested two alternative explanations for the obser­ vation of monotypism which we believe must be shown to be invalid before accept­ ing monoclonal origin as the only plausible way to account for the observed G-6-PD monotypism.

Springer

However, this inference is valid only if it is valid to go from 'there is some explanation of p' to 'some feature of the situation explains p' and this inference is invalid.

SEP

were invalid.

The New Yorker

Gorbachev ruled this invalid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a theory or argument, use "invalid explanation" to clearly state that the explanation doesn't hold up under scrutiny. For example: "The initial hypothesis was presented as a valid explanation, but further research showed it to be an "invalid explanation"".

Common error

Avoid using "invalid explanation" when the explanation is simply incomplete or requires further refinement. Reserve it for situations where the explanation is fundamentally flawed or demonstrably false.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invalid explanation" functions as a noun phrase where "invalid" modifies the noun "explanation". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound. It commonly serves to label or dismiss a reason or justification as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invalid explanation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reason or justification that is flawed, incorrect, or doesn't hold up under scrutiny. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates the lack of validity in a given explanation. Related phrases include "unsound rationale" and "fallacious reasoning", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that the explanation is indeed fundamentally flawed, rather than merely incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsound rationale

Replaces 'explanation' with 'rationale', highlighting the reasoning behind the explanation as flawed.

false justification

Substitutes 'explanation' with 'justification', emphasizing the misleading or incorrect nature of the reasoning.

untenable account

Replaces "explanation" with "account", stressing that the given explanation is indefensible or unsustainable.

flawed interpretation

Changes 'explanation' to 'interpretation', focusing on the defects in understanding or construing something.

specious reasoning

Replaces the whole phrase, focusing on the deceptively attractive but incorrect nature of the reasoning.

inadequate justification

Replaces “invalid” with “inadequate”, suggesting that the explanation does not fully account for the matter at hand.

unconvincing argument

Shifts the focus to the persuasiveness of the explanation, highlighting its failure to convince.

deficient reasoning

Emphasizes the lack or imperfection in the process of thought used to arrive at the explanation.

baseless interpretation

Highlights the lack of foundation or evidence for the interpretation offered as an explanation.

fallacious account

Emphasizes the flawed or deceptive nature of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "invalid explanation" to describe a reason or justification that is not correct or logical. For example: "The politician's excuse for his actions was an "invalid explanation" because it did not align with the facts."

What's a more formal alternative to "invalid explanation"?

A more formal alternative could be "unsound rationale" or "fallacious reasoning". These phrases convey a similar meaning of an explanation being flawed or incorrect, but in a more academic or professional context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "invalid explanation"?

It is appropriate to use "invalid explanation" when you want to directly and clearly state that a particular explanation is incorrect, illogical, or does not hold up under scrutiny. This is especially useful in analytical or critical contexts.

How does "invalid explanation" differ from "incomplete explanation"?

"Invalid explanation" means the explanation is fundamentally wrong or false, whereas "incomplete explanation" means the explanation is simply lacking details or is not fully developed. An "incomplete explanation" might be partially correct, but an "invalid explanation" is entirely incorrect.