not easily explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not easily explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, concept, or phenomenon that is complex or difficult to articulate clearly. Example: "The reasons for the sudden change in policy are not easily explained, leaving many employees confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labour's defeat is not easily explained away.

The Guardian

Zidane's sorcery is not easily explained.

The Guardian - Sport

But the defeat is not easily explained away.

The Guardian

This renewal of interest is not easily explained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are still some sounds that are not easily explained by an alternate source.

Cornell University

Some ecological anomalies at the K-T boundary are not easily explained by a catastrophic scenario.

University of California, Berkeley

As I have written, these changes in congressional performance are not easily explained.

The Washington Post

"That is not easily explained, and raises the natural question of why it is that way".

The Guardian

The different effects of the social stimuli on NREM sleep are not easily explained by differences in the hormone responses.

Brain Research

However, profiles with single-mutation differences that were not easily explained by sequencing error were assigned to separate individuals.

Nature

Why this obscure battle in remote Tasmania has had curious resonance around the globe is not easily explained.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not easily explained", ensure you provide context indicating why the subject is difficult to explain. This adds depth and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "not easily explained" as a placeholder for actual explanation. Always strive to provide some insight into the complexities involved, rather than simply stating the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not easily explained" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or situation by indicating a quality of being difficult to understand or account for. As Ludwig AI highlights, this expression is common across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not easily explained" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is complex or lacks a straightforward explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Analysis reveals it commonly appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid using it as a substitute for detailed explanation. Related phrases include "hard to explain" and "difficult to understand", offering similar nuances. Ultimately, mastering the use of "not easily explained" involves understanding its purpose and providing appropriate context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to explain

Focuses more on the difficulty of articulation rather than the inherent complexity.

difficult to understand

Emphasizes the challenge in comprehending the subject.

not readily understood

Highlights the lack of immediate or obvious comprehension.

unaccountable

Implies that there is no clear or logical reason for something.

inexplicable

Suggests that something cannot be explained or understood.

presents a challenge to explain

Emphasizes the act of explaining and the difficulties involved.

defies simple explanation

Highlights that the explanation is not straightforward.

not straightforward

Simple and direct way to describe difficulty.

complex to elucidate

Focuses on the complexity in making something clear.

raises many questions

Indicates that there are several unanswered and possibly unanswerable questions.

FAQs

How can I use "not easily explained" in a sentence?

You can use "not easily explained" to describe phenomena, results, or situations that lack a simple or straightforward explanation. For example: "The sudden increase in sales is "not easily explained" by current market trends."

What are some alternatives to "not easily explained"?

Alternatives include "hard to explain", "difficult to understand", or "inexplicable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "not easily explained" or "not easily explainable"?

"Not easily explained" is generally preferred because it focuses on the act of explaining, whereas "not easily explainable" sounds more formal and less common. Both are grammatically correct, but the former flows more naturally in most contexts.

What's the difference between "not easily explained" and "unexplained"?

"Not easily explained" suggests that an attempt at explanation is possible but challenging, while "unexplained" implies that no explanation has been offered or found. The former acknowledges complexity, the latter suggests a gap in knowledge.