propose an explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propose an explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a reason or rationale for a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "In her research, she aims to propose an explanation for the observed changes in climate patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They propose an explanation for the reaction mechanism that accounts for the selection of CO2 in preference to O2.

Nature

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

Acta Materialia

Based on a simple agency model, we propose an explanation for this puzzle.

Journal of Corporate Finance

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 this paper, we propose an explanation for this discrepancy and show that a combined approach random mutagenesis within the substrate binding site is better.

Chemistry & Biology

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

This paper proposes an explanation for the frequent appearance of a price puzzle in VARs designed for monetary policy analysis.

Journal of Monetary Economics

Leikind also proposes an explanation for why the recently published Interphone study found a slight protective effect from moderate mobile phone use on the risk of brain cancer.

The Guardian

Our study proposes an explanation for the differences found in morphology of stony corals, bacterial colonies and plant roots.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

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

The kinetic analyses performed allow proposing an explanation for the nonmonotonic variation of hydrogen/air flame speed with pressure observed in the experiments.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propose an explanation for", ensure that the explanation is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a proposed explanation as a definitive answer, especially when the evidence is still preliminary or inconclusive. Use qualifiers like "may", "suggests", or "indicates" to maintain appropriate caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose an explanation for" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a potential reason or mechanism behind a phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showcasing its utility in academic and scientific discourse.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propose an explanation for" is a grammatically correct and useful way to introduce a potential reason or mechanism behind a phenomenon. Ludwig AI data indicates that it is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts. While not extremely frequent, its use suggests a reasoned and objective approach to understanding complex issues. Remember to support your proposed explanations with evidence and avoid presenting them as definitive answers without sufficient proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer an account for

Replaces "explanation" with "account", emphasizing a detailed narrative.

advance a hypothesis for

Substitutes "propose" with "advance" and "explanation" with "hypothesis", suggesting a more formal scientific proposition.

put forward a rationale for

Uses "put forward" instead of "propose" and "rationale" instead of "explanation", offering a reasoned justification.

suggest a mechanism for

Replaces "explanation" with "mechanism", focusing on the process involved.

posit a theory for

Emphasizes a theoretical framework as the explanation.

table an interpretation for

Replaces propose with table and suggests presenting a specific understanding.

venture a guess as to

Suggests a more speculative explanation, using "venture a guess" instead of "propose an explanation".

offer insights into

Shifts focus from a definitive explanation to providing understanding.

explain the reasons behind

Focuses on the underlying causes, rather than just an explanation.

shed light on

Implies clarifying a previously obscure phenomenon, rather than directly proposing an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "propose an explanation for" to introduce a possible reason or cause for something. For example, "Researchers "propose an explanation for" the sudden decline in bee populations based on habitat loss and pesticide use".

What are some alternatives to "propose an explanation for"?

Alternatives include "offer an account for", "advance a hypothesis for", or "put forward a rationale for", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

Is it better to "propose an explanation for" or "provide an explanation for"?

"Propose an explanation for" implies suggesting a possible explanation that may not be fully proven, while "provide an explanation for" suggests offering a more established or widely accepted reason. The best choice depends on the context and the certainty of the explanation.

What is the difference between "propose an explanation for" and "offer insights into"?

"Propose an explanation for" suggests presenting a potential cause or reason, whereas "offer insights into" implies providing a deeper understanding or perspective on a topic, without necessarily identifying a specific cause.