reasonable explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'reasonable explanation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are explaining something in a logical or rational way. For example, "I could see that the situation was confusing, so I gave them a reasonable explanation for my behaviour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, there's a reasonable explanation.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, a perfectly reasonable explanation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He may have a reasonable explanation.

The New York Times

Braun might have a perfectly reasonable explanation.

The New York Times

Can there be a reasonable explanation?

The Guardian - Sport

There has to be some reasonable explanation.

The New York Times

It's a reasonable explanation on your birthday".

The New Yorker

That might seem like a reasonable explanation.

The New York Times

So? Has the administration offered a reasonable explanation or apology?

The New York Times

"I could never get a reasonable explanation," she said.

The New York Times

So has anyone come up with a reasonable explanation yet?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "reasonable explanation", ensure that the explanation is not only logical but also tailored to the audience's understanding and background knowledge for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language when offering a "reasonable explanation". The goal is to make the reason understandable, not to impress with complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable explanation" functions as a noun phrase that describes the act of providing a logical and understandable reason for something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to denote clarity and justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable explanation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a logical and understandable reason for something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent usage spans across news, scientific, and academic domains. When using this phrase, it is essential to ensure clarity and avoid overly complex language to effectively convey the intended message. Alternatives like "rational explanation" or "logical explanation" can also be used depending on the context. The phrase is versatile and suitable for various levels of formality, providing a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational explanation

Replaces "reasonable" with "rational", suggesting a more logical and analytical basis.

logical explanation

Substitutes "reasonable" with "logical", emphasizing a clear and consistent line of reasoning.

plausible explanation

Replaces "reasonable" with "plausible", indicating that the explanation is believable and likely.

acceptable explanation

Changes "reasonable" to "acceptable", implying that the explanation is satisfactory and meets certain standards.

valid explanation

Uses "valid" instead of "reasonable", focusing on the soundness and legitimacy of the explanation.

credible explanation

Substitutes "reasonable" with "credible", highlighting the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

convincing explanation

Replaces "reasonable" with "convincing", emphasizing the persuasive power of the explanation.

sound explanation

Uses "sound" in place of "reasonable", suggesting that the explanation is well-founded and reliable.

justifiable explanation

Changes "reasonable" to "justifiable", indicating that there are legitimate grounds for the explanation.

understandable explanation

Replaces "reasonable" with "understandable", focusing on the ease with which the explanation can be comprehended.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable explanation" to describe why something happened or to justify a decision. For example: "The company provided a "reasonable explanation" for the delay in shipping."

What can I say instead of "reasonable explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "rational explanation", "logical explanation", or "plausible explanation" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "reasonable explanation" and "excuse"?

Yes, a "reasonable explanation" is a justified and logical reason, while an "excuse" may be a less valid or even fabricated reason to avoid responsibility. The key difference lies in the validity and acceptance of the reason.

When is it appropriate to ask for a "reasonable explanation"?

It is appropriate to ask for a "reasonable explanation" when something unexpected or confusing occurs, and you need a clear and logical account of why it happened. It's suitable in professional, academic, and personal contexts where clarity is needed.