provide an explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide an explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clarify or elaborate on a specific topic or concept. Example: "In your report, please provide an explanation of the methodology used in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The court did not provide an explanation of its decision.

The New York Times

If so, the seller must provide an explanation of such problems.

The New York Times

The court also said that all rejections, even by elected officials, had to provide an explanation of the decisions.

The New York Times

The greenhouse effect The atmospheric trace gases – water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide – provide an explanation of the planetary energy imbalance.

The Guardian

Furthermore, we provide an explanation of Timoshenko doublets.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The present results provide an explanation of the previous observations of Bone et al. [2].

Combustion and Flame

Theoretical arguments are presented that provide an explanation of numerical results.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Our analysis can provide an explanation of some ARPES results and Raman experiments.

Solid State Communications

Afterwards, we provide an explanation of the SoftCoDeR approach extended with ESE ('SoftCoDeR: extended with ESE" section).

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

In Chapter 3, DeSalle and Tattersall provide an explanation of the genome and its importance in understanding human evolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A satisfactory interpretation must provide an explanation of the text demonstrably superior to that of rival readings.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide an explanation of", ensure the explanation is thorough and tailored to your audience's understanding level. Avoid jargon or overly technical language if your audience is not familiar with the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "provide an explanation of" without actually offering a detailed explanation. Simply stating that an explanation will be provided without delivering it leaves the reader unsatisfied and questioning your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide an explanation of" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate the act of giving a detailed account or clarification. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The examples show it introducing a description, justification, or rationale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide an explanation of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to signal a detailed clarification or account. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, especially in science, news, and formal business settings. Its neutral to formal tone makes it appropriate for contexts where clarity and thoroughness are valued. While alternatives like "offer a justification for" or "clarify the reasons for" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to always deliver on the promise of an explanation when using this phrase to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the basis for

Emphasizes clarifying the foundation or grounds for something.

clarify the reasons for

Stresses making the causes or motivations more understandable.

give the grounds for

Highlights presenting the basis or justification for an action or decision.

give a rationale for

Focuses on presenting the underlying principles or logical basis.

offer a justification for

Emphasizes providing reasons to defend or support something.

present an account of

Highlights giving a detailed description or narration.

elucidate the details of

Implies shedding light on specific aspects or components.

break down the causes of

Focuses on analyzing and simplifying the factors leading to a specific outcome.

spell out the reasons for

Suggests explaining the reasons in a detailed and explicit manner.

offer insights into

Suggests sharing a deeper understanding or perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide an explanation of" to introduce a clarification or detailed account. For example, "The report will "provide an explanation of" the new policies".

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

Alternatives include "offer a justification for", "give a rationale for", or "clarify the reasons for" depending on the context.

Is it better to "provide an explanation of" or "explain"?

"Provide an explanation of" is more formal and often used when a detailed account is expected. "Explain" is more general. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "provide an explanation of" and "give an overview of"?

"Provide an explanation of" implies a detailed clarification, while "give an overview of" suggests a summary. The former delves into specifics, whereas the latter presents a broad understanding.