might be explained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be explained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential reasons or causes for a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "The increase in sales might be explained by the recent marketing campaign that targeted a younger audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This might be explained by several factors.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Much of this might be explained by hurt feelings.

The New Yorker

His lean output might be explained by his admitted perfectionism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We propose that this discrepancy might be explained by an enhanced global C/O ratio.

Princeton University

These positive results might be explained by the high-quality design of this assessment center.

Psychologie du Travail et des Organisations

Cognitive impairment related to obstructive sleep apnea might be explained by subtle changes in brain anatomy.

Sleep Medicine Reviews

This behaviour might be explained by the particular microstructural characteristics of the films.

Surface and Coatings Technology

This might be explained by reductive break-up of the POP bond.

Electrochimica Acta

Some of that conservatism might be explained by the anthology's editorial process.

The New York Times - Books

Her evangelical approach to Brexit might be explained by the fact that she campaigned to remain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their disappearance from the national diet might be explained by their former ubiquity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be explained by", ensure that the explanation you provide is plausible and supported by evidence or logical reasoning. Avoid using it to introduce purely speculative or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "might be explained by" when a definitive explanation is already known or when presenting a well-established fact. Instead, reserve it for situations where the cause is uncertain or open to interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be explained by" serves as a connector that introduces a potential explanation or cause for a phenomenon. It functions to suggest a plausible reason without asserting it as a definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be explained by" is a versatile connector used to introduce potential explanations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure that the explanation is plausible and backed by some form of reasoning. Alternative phrases like "could be attributed to" or "may be due to" can be used to convey a similar level of uncertainty. While common, it is important to avoid overstating the certainty of the explanation and reserve its use for situations where the cause is not definitively known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be attributed to

Emphasizes assigning a cause or reason to something.

may be due to

Suggests a possible cause or origin.

can be accounted for by

Indicates that something can be understood or explained by a particular factor.

might stem from

Suggests the origin or root cause of something.

could result from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a particular cause.

may arise from

Indicates how something could originate or emerge.

can be rationalized by

Implies providing a logical explanation or justification.

might be ascribed to

Suggests attributing a quality or characteristic to something.

could be understood as

Focuses on interpreting something in a particular way.

may be interpreted as

Indicates a possible interpretation or understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "might be explained by" to introduce a possible reason or cause for something. For example, "The decline in sales might be explained by the recent economic downturn."

What can I say instead of "might be explained by"?

You can use alternatives like "could be attributed to", "may be due to", or "can be accounted for by" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "might be explained by" in formal writing?

Yes, "might be explained by" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing potential explanations that are not definitively proven. It conveys a level of uncertainty appropriate for academic and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "might be explained by" and "is explained by"?

"Might be explained by" suggests a possibility, indicating that the explanation is not certain. "Is explained by" implies a definitive and confirmed explanation.