it could be the explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be the explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possible reason or justification for a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "The sudden drop in sales could be the explanation for the company's decision to cut costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It could be the explanation for your acne and your periods," my doctor told me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such dualism could be the explanation for the results found in biological science students.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Could be the explanation for why Jay's story is so convoluted.

Huffington Post

What could be the explanation for all of this?

British Journal of Cancer

What could be the explanation for these phenotypic differences?

EMBO Journal

What could be the explanation for these controversial results?

Clinical Oral Investigations

What could be the explanation for this difference?

British Journal of Cancer

A second possible explanation this observation could be the competition for NADH.

AMB Express

It could be that there is a more charitable explanation for Ellmers's remarks.

The New Yorker

Another explanation could be the lack of data for the time intervals between scans.

EJNMMI Physics

The explanation for the differences could be the support span.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce a possible, but not definitive, reason for something. It implies that further investigation or evidence might be needed.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when you have definitive proof of an explanation. It's better suited for speculative scenarios where the explanation is plausible but not confirmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be the explanation for" functions as a hedge or qualifier when introducing a potential explanation. It presents a reason or cause as a possibility rather than a certainty. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English, suggesting a possible reason.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could be the explanation for" serves as a neutral and usable phrase to introduce a possible reason or cause, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is suitable for both news and scientific contexts, suggesting that further investigation may be warranted. While grammatically correct, remember to avoid overstating certainty when using it. Consider alternatives like "it might explain" or "it could account for" for conciseness. Use it judiciously in scenarios where the explanation is plausible but not definitively proven.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might explain

Direct replacement focusing on the verb 'explain' instead of the full noun phrase.

it may be the reason for

Substitutes "explanation" with "reason", changing the emphasis slightly.

it could account for

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise and formal expression.

it may clarify

Focuses on the clarification aspect of an explanation.

it could illuminate

A more figurative way to suggest an explanation, implying a deeper understanding.

it potentially elucidates

Uses a more formal and academic verb for explaining.

it offers a rationale for

Focuses on providing a logical basis or justification.

it provides insight into

Shifts the focus to offering a deeper understanding rather than a direct explanation.

it sheds light on

A more idiomatic way to suggest an explanation, implying that something is made clearer.

it helps to understand

Explains that this phrase helps to gain a better understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "it could be the explanation for" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to suggest a potential reason or cause for something. For example: "The decrease in sales could be the explanation for the company's layoffs."

What are some alternatives to "it could be the explanation for"?

You can use alternatives like "it might explain", "it may be the reason for", or "it could account for" depending on the context.

Is "it could be the explanation for" formal or informal?

This phrase is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "it could be the explanation for" and "it is the explanation for"?

"It could be the explanation for" suggests a possibility, whereas "it is the explanation for" implies a confirmed fact. Use the former when speculating and the latter when you have definitive evidence.