it may explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something could provide a reason or clarification for a particular situation or observation. Example: "The recent changes in weather patterns may explain the unusual behavior of the local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We have toned down our conclusion by saying that "it may explain" this.

eLife

It may explain the puzzle the Institute for Fiscal Studies leaves unanswered in its analysis.

The Guardian

It may explain, too, Pakistan's initially muted response.

The Economist

Nonetheless, he said, it may explain "a spectacularly interesting phenomenon, namely why we are here".

The New York Times

But it may explain my own sense of a fatal mismatch.

The Guardian - Music

That doesn't lessen the pressure, but it may explain why we keep going back for more.

The New Yorker

She took it in stride and thought it may explain her unusual agility and vocal range.

The New York Times

It may explain how health data have found their way onto file-sharing networks.

The Economist

In fact, it may explain why he is so fast and full of energy.

The New York Times

It may explain his almost unnerving calm as polls show him creeping upward, possibly into second place, behind Trump.

The New Yorker

If this is true, it may explain the tragic sensibility that haunts Patterson's avowedly optimistic approach to race in America.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may explain" to introduce a tentative explanation, signaling to the reader that the reason provided is not definitive but rather a possible interpretation. For instance, "The decrease in sales may explain the company's recent restructuring."

Common error

Avoid using "it may explain" when you have definitive evidence. Instead, opt for stronger phrases like "it clearly demonstrates" or "it confirms". Overusing "it may explain" can weaken your argument if a stronger statement is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may explain" functions as a hedge, softening the claim that something is the definitive reason for an event or observation. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where the phrase introduces potential, rather than conclusive, explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may explain" serves as a valuable tool for offering tentative explanations across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in news, scientific, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure you're introducing a plausible but not definitively proven reason, and be mindful of the level of certainty you want to convey. For stronger claims, consider alternatives like "it demonstrates" or "it confirms". Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriate use in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could clarify

Uses "could" instead of "may", suggesting a slightly weaker possibility.

it could account for

Substitutes "explain" with "account for", indicating a causal relationship.

it might elucidate

Replaces "explain" with "elucidate", offering a more formal tone.

it potentially clarifies

Adds "potentially" to emphasize the uncertainty of the explanation.

this offers a potential explanation for

Is a more formal variation that directly states the action of explaining.

it possibly illustrates

Replaces "explain" with "illustrates", suggesting the phrase provides an example.

this provides a possible rationale for

Emphasizes the logic or reasoning behind something.

this might shed light on

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate providing insight.

this suggests a reason for

Suggests that a particular rationale is implied.

this could give a reason for

Offers a more direct and less nuanced alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "it may explain" in a sentence?

Use "it may explain" to introduce a possible, but not certain, reason for something. For example, "The lack of sunlight "it may explain" the plants' stunted growth."

What can I say instead of "it may explain"?

You can use alternatives like "it could clarify", "it might elucidate", or "it could account for" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "it may explain" or "it explains"?

"It may explain" suggests a possibility, while "it explains" states a fact. Use ""it may explain"" when you're offering a potential reason that isn't definitively proven.

What's the difference between "it may explain" and "it probably explains"?

"It may explain" indicates a possibility, while "it probably explains" suggests a higher likelihood. The latter implies a greater degree of certainty.