provide an explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide an explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to provide a reason for something. For example: "Please provide an explanation for your absence from work yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The military declined to provide an explanation for the charges.

The New York Times

Neither agency could provide an explanation for why their statistics differed.

The New York Times

Timor-Leste says Australia has failed to provide an explanation for the allegations.

The Guardian

The 30-year-old novelist did, though, provide an explanation for her curmudgeonly opinions.

The Guardian

So far officials have declined to provide an explanation for his absences.

The New York Times

It went on: "Therefore the Festival asked him to provide an explanation for his comments.

Independent

It would merely provide an explanation for an unexpected outcome.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

However, she does not provide an explanation for this.

Lingua Sinica

Our analyses provide an explanation for this pattern.

Biological Conservation

These agree with the experimental observations and provide an explanation for variations in reaction selectivity.

Chemical Engineering Science

Gastroscopy and thoracotomy performed in Denmark did not provide an explanation for transmission of bacteria.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide an explanation for", ensure the explanation is clear, concise, and directly addresses the issue or question at hand. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex sentence structures when you "provide an explanation for" something. Aim for clarity and simplicity to ensure your audience understands the explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide an explanation for" functions as a request or requirement for clarification or justification. It's used when seeking reasons or causes behind an event, action, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide an explanation for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to request or require clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a usable phrase in English. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are crucial to ensure effective communication. Alternative phrases such as "give a reason for", "offer justification for", and "account for" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a reason for

Replaces "provide an explanation" with "give a reason", focusing on the justification aspect.

offer justification for

Emphasizes the act of defending or vindicating an action or decision.

elucidate the cause of

Focuses on clarifying the reasons behind an event or situation, often in a more formal context.

clarify the reasons for

Highlights the act of making the underlying reasons more transparent and understandable.

spell out the rationale behind

Implies a detailed and explicit explanation of the reasoning.

account for

A more concise way of saying "provide an explanation for", often used in scientific or formal contexts.

shed light on the origin of

Suggests uncovering or revealing the source or beginning of something.

present the grounds for

Emphasizes the formal presentation of reasons or evidence.

detail the reasons for

Focuses on giving a comprehensive account of the reasons.

break down the logic of

Implies analyzing and explaining the reasoning in a step-by-step manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide an explanation for" when you want someone to clarify the reasons behind a situation or action. For example, "The company needs to "provide an explanation for" the sudden drop in profits."

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

Alternatives include "give a reason for", "offer justification for", or "account for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "provide an explanation for"?

It is appropriate to use "provide an explanation for" in both formal and informal settings when clarity and understanding are needed. It's suitable for scenarios ranging from academic discussions to everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "provide an explanation for" and "give a reason for"?

"Provide an explanation for" is a broader term that encompasses the entire process of clarifying something, while "give a reason for" focuses specifically on stating the cause or motive.