plausible explanations for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plausible explanations for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential reasons or justifications for a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "The researchers provided several plausible explanations for the unexpected results of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are other, more plausible, explanations for the chancellor's intervention.

The Guardian

There are plausible explanations for the shortfall in sales.

The New York Times - Arts

There are plausible explanations for part of the difference.

The New York Times

Drivers with plausible explanations for their summonses will have the fines waived, he said.

The New York Times

There are two plausible explanations for this baffling change of sentiment, both alarming.

The New York Times

There have been no prosecutions and few plausible explanations for those killings.

The New York Times

As people grieved today, they struggled to find plausible explanations for Mr. Steinhäuser's behavior.

The New York Times

Moreover, as Shearer pointed out, there are several other plausible explanations for Pardew's defection.

The Guardian - Sport

We discuss various plausible explanations for such behavior of negative binomial models.

Environmental Research

We believe that there are two factual and plausible explanations for this troubling delay.

The New York Times

There are about eight plausible explanations for what might have caused it: 1.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plausible explanations for" when acknowledging uncertainty or speculation while still offering potential reasons that align with available data or established knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "plausible explanations for" to present speculative or weakly supported ideas as definitive truths. Instead, ensure your explanations are grounded in evidence and clearly presented as possibilities rather than certainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible explanations for" functions as a noun phrase, introducing potential reasons or justifications that are considered believable and worthy of consideration. It sets the stage for a discussion of various possibilities, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

35%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plausible explanations for" is a commonly used phrase to introduce reasons or justifications that are believable and worthy of consideration. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. When using the phrase, it's important to ground your explanations in evidence, as the phrase suggests credibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Probable explanations for

Emphasizes likelihood over mere possibility.

Reasonable explanations for

Suggests logical and justifiable reasons.

Credible reasons for

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the reasons.

Viable explanations for

Highlights the practicality and workability of the explanations.

Feasible explanations for

Implies that the explanations are achievable or realistic.

Possible reasons for

A broader term that encompasses any potential reason, not necessarily well-supported.

Potential justifications for

Emphasizes the act of justifying or defending something.

Likely causes of

Shifts the focus to causal relationships.

Tenable accounts for

Suggests explanations that can be defended or maintained against challenge.

Defensible interpretations of

Focuses on how something can be understood or explained in a justifiable way.

FAQs

How can I use "plausible explanations for" in a sentence?

You can use "plausible explanations for" to introduce potential reasons or justifications for a phenomenon. For example, "There are several "plausible explanations for" the decline in sales."

What are some alternatives to "plausible explanations for"?

Alternatives include "reasonable explanations for", "credible reasons for", or "viable explanations for", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "plausible explanations of" or "plausible explanations for"?

"Plausible explanations for" is generally preferred when referring to reasons or justifications related to an event or situation. "Plausible explanations of" might be used when referring to interpretations or understandings of a concept, but "for" is more common.

What's the difference between "plausible explanations for" and "possible explanations for"?

"Plausible explanations for" suggests that the reasons are credible and worthy of consideration, while "possible explanations for" simply indicates potential reasons, regardless of their likelihood or support. "Plausible explanations for" imply a stronger degree of believability and evidence.