rational explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rational explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing logical or reasonable justifications for a particular idea, action, or phenomenon. Example: "The scientist provided rational explanations for the unexpected results of the experiment, helping the team understand the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"You had two fine lawyers making high-level, reasonable, rational explanations, agreeing on almost everything.

The New York Times

There is a deep human need for secrets that transcends all rational explanations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others who have analyzed Soros's success have pointed to less rational explanations for it.

The New Yorker

I invented rational explanations, and he sort of believed me; I was educated.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the desire to replace religious with rational explanations of life was a principal motivation of Dr. Crick's career.

The New York Times

Isn't he basically telling dreamers and artists that their "beautiful" creations are insufficient without his "rational" explanations?

The New York Times - Books

But this may be Ms. Weiss's plan: to get viewers to try and intuit and feel her motives and inspiration rather than find rational explanations for them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

There's no rational explanation".

The Guardian - Film

There's absolutely no rational explanation.

The Guardian

There's never a rational explanation".

The New York Times - Magazine

There's no rational explanation for it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rational explanations" to counter emotional arguments or unfounded claims. This provides a balanced perspective and promotes critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "rational explanations" to dismiss subjective experiences or complex emotions. Sometimes, human behavior is driven by factors that go beyond pure logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rational explanations" serves as a noun phrase that identifies reasons or justifications grounded in logic and reason. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rational explanations" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that describes logical and evidence-based justifications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. While there are many alternatives like "logical justifications" or "reasonable accounts", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Use "rational explanations" thoughtfully, balancing logical reasoning with an understanding of subjective experiences to create well-rounded arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical justifications

Emphasizes the reasoning and validity behind the explanations.

reasonable accounts

Focuses on the clarity and acceptability of the explanations.

sound reasons

Highlights the reliability and solidity of the reasons provided.

valid justifications

Stresses the legitimacy and correctness of the explanations.

intelligible reasons

Focuses on how understandable and clear the reasons are.

coherent accounts

Highlights the logical consistency and order of the explanations.

sensible grounds

Emphasizes the practicality and good judgment behind the explanations.

well-founded explanations

Highlights that the explanations are based on solid evidence or principles.

evidence-based reasoning

Highlights the use of evidence to support the reasoning.

objective justifications

Highlights that the justifications are free from personal bias.

FAQs

How can I use "rational explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "rational explanations" to describe logical reasons for a particular phenomenon or action. For example: "The scientist provided "rational explanations" for the unexpected experimental results".

What are some alternatives to "rational explanations"?

Alternatives to "rational explanations" include "logical justifications", "reasonable accounts", or "sound reasons", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to seek "rational explanations"?

It is appropriate to seek "rational explanations" when trying to understand complex phenomena, solve problems, or make informed decisions based on evidence and logic.

What's the difference between "rational explanations" and "justifications"?

"Rational explanations" focus on providing logical reasons for something, while "justifications" aim to defend or vindicate an action or decision. While they can overlap, justifications often have a stronger connotation of defending something that may be questioned.