offer an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide reasons or clarifications about a particular topic or situation. Example: "During the meeting, she was asked to offer an explanation for the project's delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An impaired BBB could offer an explanation for the increased response to LPS by mTerc−/− microglia.

Aging Cell

Nor does job growth offer an explanation.

The Economist

Did he offer an explanation?

The Guardian - Sport

Let me offer an explanation.

The New York Times

I didn't offer an explanation.

The New Yorker

The Newsbreakers offer an explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

Drake College declined to offer an explanation.

The New York Times

He did not offer an explanation.

The Washington Post

Otherwise, I wouldn't even offer an explanation.

The New York Times

But Mr. Obama went on to offer an explanation anyway.

The New York Times

But Mr. Trujillo said he could not offer an explanation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offer an explanation" in formal writing, ensure that the explanation is clear, concise, and supported by evidence. Avoid ambiguity and provide sufficient detail to address the issue effectively.

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice when you "offer an explanation". Directly state who is responsible or what caused the situation to maintain clarity and accountability. For example, instead of saying "The error was caused by a system malfunction", say "A system malfunction caused the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer an explanation" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where "offer" acts as a verb meaning to present or provide, and "explanation" is a noun denoting a reason or justification. It is used to describe the act of giving reasons for something, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "offer an explanation" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce reasons or clarifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives such as "provide an explanation" and "give an explanation" exist, the choice often depends on subtle nuances in formality and intended emphasis. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, writers should prioritize clarity and directness, avoiding passive voice and ensuring explanations are well-supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an explanation

Replaces "offer" with "provide", a direct synonym, maintaining identical meaning.

give an explanation

Substitutes "offer" with "give", another synonym, resulting in a phrase with equivalent meaning.

present an explanation

Uses "present" instead of "offer", suggesting a more formal delivery of the explanation.

supply an explanation

Similar to "provide", but may imply a more comprehensive or detailed explanation.

furnish an explanation

Replaces "offer" with "furnish", giving a more formal and somewhat archaic tone.

advance an explanation

Substituting "offer" with "advance", this is best used when introducing a new or speculative explanation.

proffer an explanation

A more formal and less common alternative to "offer", adding a touch of sophistication.

extend an explanation

Implies elaborating on an existing explanation, rather than providing a new one.

put forward an explanation

Used when introducing a theory or hypothesis as an explanation.

volunteer an explanation

Suggests offering an explanation without being explicitly asked.

FAQs

How can I use "offer an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "offer an explanation" when you want to provide reasons or clarifications about a particular topic or situation. For example: "During the meeting, she was asked to "offer an explanation" for the project's delays".

What are some alternatives to "offer an explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "provide an explanation", "give an explanation", or "present an explanation" depending on the context.

Is it better to "offer an explanation" or "provide an explanation"?

Both "offer an explanation" and "provide an explanation" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context of your writing.

What is the difference between "offer an explanation" and "offer an excuse"?

"Offer an explanation" implies providing a rational account or clarification, whereas "offer an excuse" suggests attempting to justify a fault or mistake, often with the implication that the justification is weak or inadequate.