looking for explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking clarification or understanding about a particular topic or situation. Example: "After reviewing the report, I found myself looking for explanations regarding the discrepancies in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Those Obama fans who are disappointed keep looking for explanations.

The New York Times

At a certain point, one must give up looking for explanations and go with the flow.

The Guardian - Arts

They are looking for explanations that are not about to be delivered.

The New York Times

If we're looking for explanations for why things went so badly wrong, I think we'd be better off looking elsewhere.

The New Yorker

It is a natural impulse to pore over the last album an artist makes before committing suicide, looking for explanations, but it is hardly a healthy pastime.

The Guardian - Music

Now a third wave of obesity researchers are looking for explanations that don't fall into the relatively easy ones of genetics, overeating or lack of exercise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

After the unexpected 2016 loss, Democrats looked for explanations.

The Guardian - Opinion

His deficiency is a reluctance to look for explanations.

The Economist

At the time, some found it helpful to look for explanations in Iceland's distant history.

The New Yorker

If the wages of poorly educated workers are falling, we need to look for explanations other than technology.

MIT Technology Review

They look for explanations in their guidebooks: such-and-such a century, such-and-such a style.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for explanations", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are trying to understand. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "looking for explanations" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to understand" or "seeking reasons" in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for explanations" functions as a gerund phrase, where "looking" acts as a noun, modified by the prepositional phrase "for explanations". This phrase typically appears as part of a clause, describing an action or state. Ludwig confirms that this is an acceptable and common way to phrase your intent of understanding something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for explanations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of seeking reasons or understanding. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While slightly more formal alternatives like "seeking explanations" exist, "looking for explanations" is versatile and appropriate for most situations. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what you are trying to understand. Also, be aware that overuse in informal contexts may sound unnatural; consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Ludwig has provided ample examples that underscore the proper use and contextual relevance of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking reasons

Focuses on the reasons behind an event, omitting the explicit action of "looking".

searching for justifications

Implies a need to defend or rationalize something, adding a layer of advocacy.

investigating causes

Emphasizes a formal inquiry into the origins of a phenomenon.

probing into reasons

Suggests a deeper, more thorough exploration of underlying reasons.

trying to understand

Shifts the focus to the internal cognitive process of comprehension.

inquiring into rationale

Highlights the formal process of asking about the underlying logic.

in pursuit of understanding

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to gain knowledge and insight.

attempting to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer and more understandable.

desiring comprehension

Highlights the wish or longing to fully understand something.

exploring grounds

Focuses on examining the basis or foundation for something.

FAQs

How can I use "looking for explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for explanations" to describe the act of seeking understanding or reasons behind something. For example, "Scientists are "looking for explanations" regarding the recent climate changes".

What are some alternatives to "looking for explanations"?

Alternatives include "seeking reasons", "investigating causes", or "trying to understand", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "looking for explanations" or "seeking explanations"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Seeking explanations" might sound slightly more formal, while "looking for explanations" is generally more common.

What is the difference between "looking for explanations" and "finding explanations"?

"Looking for explanations" describes the act of searching, while "finding explanations" indicates that the search has been successful and an understanding has been achieved.