may be explained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be explained by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something is caused by something else. For example, "The success of the company may be explained by its commitment to customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may be explained by several reasons.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The global pressure fluctuations may be explained by Sasic's model.

Chemical Engineering Science

These discrepancies may be explained by the following observations.

JA Clinical Reports

The profiles may be explained by two factors.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In principle, this discrepancy may be explained by three reasons.

Carbon Balance and Management

This attenuation may be explained by chloride binding and scattering.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

This difference may be explained by two main reasons.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

These phenomena may be explained by functional gene variants [8].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

This may be explained by demographic differences between the locations.

Environmental Sciences Europe

This difference may be explained by ventricular shape and geometry.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

The accelerated release may be explained by three factors.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be explained by", ensure the explanation is clear and supported by evidence. Avoid vague or speculative explanations without sufficient backing.

Common error

Avoid using "may be explained by" when the relationship is merely a correlation. Ensure that the explanation implies a plausible causal link, not just a coincidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be explained by" functions as a causal connector, linking an observation or phenomenon to a potential explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, and real-world examples show it is commonly used in research and formal explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

95%

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be explained by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, serving as a causal connector to introduce potential explanations. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it maintains a formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the suggested explanation is logical and supported by evidence to avoid overstating causation. Alternatives such as "can be attributed to" or "is possibly due to" can offer nuanced variations. The prevalence of this phrase underlines its utility in analytical and explanatory writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be attributed to

Changes the structure to a passive voice, emphasizing the cause as the attribute.

is possibly due to

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding the cause.

might stem from

Suggests the origin or root of the phenomenon in question.

could be a result of

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of a particular cause.

is potentially linked to

Highlights a possible association or connection between two factors.

is conceivably caused by

Emphasizes the possibility of causation, though potentially remote.

is perhaps influenced by

Suggests a more subtle effect where the cause is one of several contributing factors.

is possibly a consequence of

Focuses on the resultative nature of the connection, highlighting a potential outcome.

arises from

Suggests the phenomenon emerges or originates directly from the cause.

is related to

Indicates a relationship or correlation, without necessarily implying direct causation.

FAQs

How can I use "may be explained by" in a sentence?

Use "may be explained by" to introduce a potential cause or reason for a phenomenon. For example, "The increase in sales "may be explained by" the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "may be explained by"?

Alternatives include "can be attributed to", "is possibly due to", or "might stem from". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "may be explained by" or "is explained by"?

"May be explained by" suggests a possibility or hypothesis, while "is explained by" implies a definite and proven explanation. Use "may be explained by" when there is uncertainty or room for alternative explanations.

What's the difference between "may be explained by" and "could be explained by"?

Both phrases suggest a possibility, but "could be explained by" often implies a slightly lower probability or a more speculative explanation than ""may be explained by"".