it might explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"it might explain" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used when there is an implied cause and effect, and you are suggesting that something could provide an explanation. For example: "The strange behavior of the cat could be due to an underlying medical condition; it might explain why it's suddenly grown so skittish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that doesn't mean the American giant isn't vulnerable, and it might explain Hershey's recently proposed changes to its capital structure.

Forbes

And it might explain why the sun is tipped slightly on its axis, astronomers say.

Science Magazine

Convincingly elaborated, it might explain a lot.

The Economist

If this applies to CNTs, it might explain sock formation.

Chemical Engineering Science

And it might explain the piling on of maximum charges.

The New York Times

But it might explain why there is so much re-reading going on in the summer.

The Guardian - Books

If so, it might explain the accuracy rate of the American military.

The Guardian - Tech

If so, it might explain his desire to get one over on the Prime Minister.

Independent

It might explain the dreadful silences that too long plagued her family.

The New York Times - Magazine

It might explain why I'm introverted and extroverted, anxious and a risk-taker, strong and vulnerable".

The Guardian - Film

It might explain why some Clinton backers would choose to remain in the closet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it might explain", ensure the connection between the potential explanation and the phenomenon is clear to the reader. Provide supporting context to strengthen the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "it might explain" when a more definitive explanation is available or warranted. Using "it might explain" when stronger evidence exists weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might explain" functions as a modal verb phrase used to introduce a possible explanation or reason for a particular phenomenon or situation. It indicates a tentative or speculative link between cause and effect. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it might explain" is a versatile tool for suggesting potential causes or reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability in discussing possibilities and hypotheses. Remember to use "it might explain" when you want to offer a tentative explanation, and to provide supporting context to strengthen the link between the potential cause and the effect. Avoid using it when you have stronger evidence for a more definitive explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could clarify

Replaces 'might' with 'could', suggesting a similar level of possibility but with a slightly stronger emphasis on clarification.

it may elucidate

Uses 'may' instead of 'might', offering a formal alternative with a focus on making something clear.

it potentially justifies

Emphasizes justification rather than explanation, implying a reason why something is acceptable or reasonable.

this could shed light on

Employs a metaphor to suggest that something will become clearer or more understandable.

this offers a rationale for

Presents a more direct and formal way of providing a reason or logical basis for something.

this provides a possible reason for

Explicitly states that the following is a potential reason, removing some of the implied uncertainty.

this hints at a cause for

Suggests that something points indirectly to a possible cause, adding a layer of subtlety.

it serves as a plausible explanation

Indicates that the explanation is reasonable and believable, lending it more credibility.

it presents a case for

Shifts the focus to building an argument or defense for something, rather than simply explaining it.

that offers insight into

Emphasizes understanding and deeper comprehension rather than a simple explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "it might explain" to suggest a possible reason or cause for something, indicating that the explanation is not definitive but plausible. For example: "The sudden market shift is unexpected; "it might explain" the company's recent losses."

What are some alternatives to using "it might explain"?

You can use alternatives like "it could clarify", "this could shed light on", or "this provides a possible reason for", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "it might explain" or "it explains"?

Use "it might explain" when you're suggesting a possibility, and "it explains" when you're stating a fact. The choice depends on the certainty and evidence available. "It explains" implies a definitive answer, while "it might explain" offers a tentative explanation.

What's the difference between "it might explain" and "it could explain"?

Both "it might explain" and "it could explain" suggest a potential explanation. The difference is subtle, with "it could explain" sometimes implying slightly more possibility than ""it might explain"", although they are largely interchangeable.