multiple explanations for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple explanations for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various reasons or interpretations for a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "There are multiple explanations for the sudden increase in temperature, including climate change and natural weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

There are multiple explanations for the improvements.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

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

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Lewandowsky told me: Phenomena can have multiple explanations – so, for example, it is entirely conceivable that volcanic activity and heat exchange with the ocean though the La Niña phenomenon might have contributed to what has been called a "slowdown" in warming.

The Guardian

More restrictive filtering such as the Seven Golden Rules [20] (orange) further reduce the number of molecular formulas to be considered; nevertheless, multiple explanations remain for most precursor ions.

Journal of Cheminformatics

There were multiple explanations offered for this.

BMJ Open

Multiple explanations exist for this apparent paradox, though the main one relates to the great difficulty to undertake systematic studies given the lack of consensus concerning the correct definition of cPN.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Multiple explanations may account for this.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "multiple explanations for" a phenomenon, organize them logically (e.g., by importance, chronology, or category) to enhance clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid treating "multiple explanations for" a situation as mutually exclusive when they may be interconnected or reinforcing. Acknowledge potential overlaps or synergistic effects for a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple explanations for" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing and highlighting the existence of several reasons or interpretations for a given phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "multiple explanations for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signals the presence of several reasons or interpretations for a given phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, it's accurate and appropriate for use in written English. With a neutral register, it fits diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. When using this phrase, remember to present each explanation clearly and consider potential interconnections. Alternatives like ""various reasons for"" or "several justifications for" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. The key is to provide a comprehensive and organized analysis when presenting "multiple explanations for" any complex issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various reasons for

Changes 'explanations' to 'reasons' and 'multiple' to 'various', focusing on the cause.

many possible reasons for

Adds 'possible' and changes 'multiple' to 'many', indicating a range of potential causes.

several justifications for

Replaces 'explanations' with 'justifications' and 'multiple' with 'several', emphasizing defense of an action.

numerous causes of

Shifts the focus from 'explanations' to 'causes' and uses 'numerous' instead of 'multiple', indicating origins.

various contributing factors to

Shifts focus to 'contributing factors', highlighting the elements that lead to a specific outcome.

diverse interpretations of

Alters 'explanations' to 'interpretations' and 'multiple' to 'diverse', highlighting different understandings.

several potential answers to

Changes 'explanations' to 'answers' and adds 'potential', emphasizing possible solutions or responses.

a range of factors influencing

Replaces 'explanations' with 'factors' and introduces 'influencing', broadening the context to include contributing elements.

different accounts of

Substitutes 'explanations' with 'accounts' and 'multiple' with 'different', focusing on narratives or reports.

different perspectives on

Replaces explanations to perspectives, highlighting subjective viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I effectively present "multiple explanations for" a single event?

Start by introducing the event or phenomenon, then present each explanation clearly and concisely, providing supporting evidence for each. Consider addressing potential overlaps or conflicts between the "various reasons for" the occurrence.

What's the difference between "multiple explanations for" and "a single explanation for"?

"Multiple explanations for" indicates that there are several possible reasons or interpretations, while "a single explanation for" suggests that there is only one reason or interpretation. Using "multiple explanations for" acknowledges the complexity of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "multiple explanations for"?

Use "multiple explanations for" when you want to convey that there are several valid reasons or interpretations of a situation, event, or phenomenon. This is especially useful in complex or ambiguous contexts.

What are some alternatives to using "multiple explanations for" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like ""various reasons for"", "several justifications for", or "numerous causes of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.