propose an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

'propose an explanation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to suggest an idea that could explain a certain event or situation. For example, "One possible explanation for the issue is that the equipment is malfunctioning. Can you propose another explanation?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In an article this week in the journal PLoS Biology, the Duke geneticist David B. Goldsteinph.d and his colleagues propose an explanation for both findings.

The New York Times - Science

In a theoretical model that fits the trends of the last two decades, the economists propose an explanation: Permanent income differences have increased just a little, while short-term fluctuations have increased a lot.

The New York Times

The study did not propose an explanation for this disparity, though it did note that female doctors "are more likely to practice evidence-based medicine, perform as well or better on standardized examinations, and provide more patient-centered care".

The New Yorker

Therefore, we propose an explanation for the phenomenon of the cutoff date effect in China.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Here, we propose an explanation based on the qualitative theory of dynamical systems.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

We propose an explanation for the annealing mechanism through coupled dynamics of dislocations and phase change.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Felix Salmon proposes an explanation for the Obama administration's fecklessness on the debt ceiling: The budget debate, of course, sets near-term taxation and spending.

The New York Times

Volcanologists haven't yet proposed an explanation.

Science Magazine

Munafò proposed an explanation: researchers' "reliance on small sample sizes".

Science Magazine

They proposed an explanation that was not immediately contradicted by a number of aggregate stylized facts.

SERIEs

Now, a team of researchers proposes an explanation: The sea floor appears booby-trapped with poisonous gases.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propose an explanation", clearly state the phenomenon you are trying to explain to provide context for your proposal.

Common error

Avoid simply stating you will "propose an explanation" without giving the audience any prior information. Ensure the explanation is well-supported with evidence to avoid being dismissed as speculation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose an explanation" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a suggested reason or theory for a specific phenomenon. As seen in Ludwig, it commonly appears in academic and scientific contexts to present a potential explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propose an explanation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, mainly within scientific and academic circles. As verified by Ludwig, it serves to introduce a suggested reason or theory for a specific phenomenon. The phrase is formal, indicating a reasoned, evidence-based approach, as also highlighted by Ludwig AI, with most usages being sourced to Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business categories. Alternatives like "offer a rationale" or "posit a theory" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Offer a rationale

Slightly more formal; emphasizes providing a logical basis or justification.

Suggest a hypothesis

More specific to scientific contexts; focuses on a testable proposition.

Put forward a theory

Emphasizes a more developed and structured explanation.

Advance an interpretation

Highlights subjective understanding and perspective.

Present a justification

Focuses on defending or validating a particular viewpoint.

Submit a clarification

Emphasizes making something clearer or more understandable.

Theorize a reason

Highlights the act of forming a theory or conjecture.

Posit an answer

More formal and academic; suggests putting forth an answer as a starting point for discussion.

Offer an account

Implies providing a detailed description or narrative of events.

Propose a cause

Specifies that the explanation involves identifying a causal factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "propose an explanation" when you are introducing a potential reason or theory for a particular phenomenon. For example, "Researchers "propose an explanation" for the increased migration patterns".

What is a more formal alternative to "propose an explanation"?

A more formal alternative would be "offer a rationale" or "posit a theory". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

How does "propose an explanation" differ from "provide an explanation"?

"Propose an explanation" suggests offering a new or speculative reason, whereas "provide an explanation" implies presenting a more established or accepted reason.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "propose an explanation"?

It is appropriate in academic papers, scientific reports, news articles, and professional settings where you are introducing a possible explanation for a phenomenon. It is also effective in debates and discussions when introducing your own reasoning.