multiple explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to several different reasons or interpretations for a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "The teacher provided multiple explanations for the complex concept to ensure all students understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Multiple explanations offer themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Multiple explanations of Ed Lazar's death are advanced.

The New Yorker

He told several hundred students there could be multiple explanations for an increase in homicides and other violent crimes.

The Guardian

Within hours of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov's murder on Friday, multiple explanations of what had gone on had been supplied to media organisations.

The Guardian - Opinion

A graph on the tunicate page shows a huge spike in tunicate invasions around the 1980s and '90s, which Ms. Noble says can have multiple explanations.

The New York Times

Mr. Souder, who has followed baseball statistics for years by managing a fantasy team, countered: "I grant that most of the people that have anomalies have multiple explanations for those anomalies.

The New York Times

Economists say there are multiple explanations for why young workers have suffered so much in this downturn, but they mostly boil down to being at the bottom of the totem pole.

The New York Times

Dr. Marshall used to ask his residents if they had learned about Occam's razor: Given the choice between multiple explanations for any given phenomenon, the simplest explanation is almost always right.

The New York Times

Multiple explanations have been offered for this underrepresentation.

International Journal of STEM Education

Multiple explanations were provided and took into account personal and societal reactions to stuttering.

Journal of Fluency Disorders

Further study is needed to distinguish among these multiple explanations for declining harvest.

Ecological Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "multiple explanations", ensure each explanation is clearly articulated and supported with evidence to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "multiple explanations" that are essentially the same point phrased differently. Each explanation should offer a unique perspective or contributing factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple explanations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the existence of more than one reason or interpretation for a particular phenomenon. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multiple explanations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to introduce several reasons or interpretations. As Ludwig confirms, it is most common in scientific, news, and formal contexts, indicating a need to consider various perspectives for a comprehensive understanding. When using this phrase, ensure that each explanation is distinct and well-supported. Alternatives such as "various reasons" or "several interpretations" can be employed for variety. Avoiding overlap in explanations is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple reasons

More directly states the presence of several reasons.

various reasons

Focuses on the reasons behind something, rather than the explanations themselves.

several interpretations

Highlights different understandings or viewpoints, instead of general explanations.

a range of explanations

Indicates a spectrum of possible explanations, rather than a specific count.

numerous justifications

Emphasizes the act of justifying something with multiple reasons.

several factors

Focuses on elements that contribute to a particular outcome or situation.

different accounts

Implies varied narratives or reports about an event or situation.

various considerations

Highlights the different aspects or points taken into account.

diverse perspectives

Stresses the variety of viewpoints on a particular topic.

different theories

Emphasizes the existence of several scientific or speculative models.

FAQs

How do you use "multiple explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "multiple explanations" to introduce various reasons or interpretations for a phenomenon. For instance, "There are multiple explanations for the decline in sales this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "multiple explanations"?

You can use alternatives like "various reasons", "several interpretations", or "numerous justifications" depending on the context.

Is it better to offer one comprehensive explanation or "multiple explanations"?

It depends on the complexity of the subject. If a single explanation is insufficient, presenting "multiple explanations" can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding.

When is it appropriate to use "multiple explanations"?

It's appropriate when a single cause or reason cannot fully account for a phenomenon, and several contributing factors need to be considered. For example, when analyzing economic trends or historical events.