offered an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offered an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone has provided a reason or clarification for something. Example: "During the meeting, she offered an explanation for the project's delays, detailing the challenges the team faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The article offered an explanation.

The New York Times

He offered an explanation.

The New Yorker

Du Pont himself never offered an explanation.

The Guardian - Film

Mayor Joseph C. Parisi offered an explanation.

The New York Times

He offered an explanation for Rotenberg's interest.

The New Yorker

One sales clerk offered an explanation.

The New York Times

The winery's Web site, www.channingdaughters.com, offered an explanation.

The New York Times

Cowboys defensive tackle La'Roi Glover offered an explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

But James offered an explanation, not an apology.

The New York Times - Sports

In court, Mr. Israel apologized and offered "an explanation".

The New York Times

The woman turned to me and offered an explanation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when crafting the explanation. Use language and terminology appropriate for their level of understanding.

Common error

Avoid providing unnecessarily complex explanations. Aim for clarity and conciseness. Sometimes a simple, direct answer is more effective than a lengthy, convoluted one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offered an explanation" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that someone has provided a reason or justification for something. It typically involves a subject (the person offering) and an object (the explanation). Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "offered an explanation" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies the act of providing a reason or clarification. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its role in reporting and explaining events. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, suitable for various formal communications. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure clarity and relevance in the explanation provided, while avoiding unnecessary complexity. Alternatives such as "provided a rationale" or "furnished a clarification" can be used to add nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, making it a reliable choice for expressing the act of providing an explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

furnished a clarification

Replaces 'explanation' with 'clarification', focusing on making something easier to understand.

presented a reason

Substitutes 'offered an explanation' with a more straightforward 'presented a reason'.

provided a rationale

Replaces 'explanation' with 'rationale', implying a more formal or structured reason.

gave a justification

Uses 'justification' instead of 'explanation', suggesting an attempt to defend or vindicate an action or belief.

submitted an account

Replaces 'explanation' with 'account', implying a detailed or narrative version of events.

advanced an argument

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of the explanation, framing it as a point in a debate.

shared the reasoning

Focuses on the thought process behind a decision or action, rather than a simple explanation.

extended an interpretation

Offers a specific understanding or viewpoint regarding a particular matter, rather than a straightforward explanation.

detailed the causes

Specifically addresses the reasons or origins behind a particular event or situation.

imparted the understanding

Implies a transmission of knowledge or insight, going beyond a mere explanation.

FAQs

What's the difference between "offered an explanation" and "gave an explanation"?

While both phrases are similar, "offered an explanation" might suggest a more formal or unsolicited provision of reasoning, whereas "gave an explanation" is a more general and neutral statement.

What are some alternatives to saying "offered an explanation"?

You can use phrases like "provided a rationale", "presented a reason", or "furnished a clarification" depending on the context.

How do you use "offered an explanation" in a sentence?

Example: "The company spokesperson "offered an explanation" for the sudden drop in stock prices."

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

Both "offer an explanation" and "provide an explanation" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Offer" can sometimes imply a willingness or initiative to explain.