scientific explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scientific explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or describing a rationale or reasoning based on scientific principles or methods. Example: "The scientific explanation for climate change involves the greenhouse effect and human activities that increase carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It defies scientific explanation.

The New Yorker

Some things defy scientific explanation.

The New York Times

For most people scientific explanation remains unsatisfying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their lack of any scientific explanation is a worry, though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But not all scientific explanation follows this model.

The New York Times - Books

A scientific explanation for the elusive smile was suddenly clear.

The New York Times - Science

The current state of scientific explanation is thus highly fragmentary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am sure there's a scientific explanation for it but plastic money just does not stink.

The Guardian - Business

But a scientific explanation for humor has been hard to pin down.

The New Yorker

It would be very hard to give a proper scientific explanation for this.

The New Yorker

We do not need any scientific explanation to tell us that we have a problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scientific explanation", ensure the explanation is supported by empirical evidence and adheres to the scientific method. This strengthens the credibility and accuracy of your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "scientific explanation" as an absolute truth, as scientific knowledge is always subject to revision based on new evidence. Frame it as the most plausible explanation given current understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scientific explanation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a detailed account that elucidates a phenomenon based on scientific principles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scientific explanation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote an evidence-based account of a phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its primary contexts include science, news & media, and encyclopedias, reflecting its formal and technical nature. To ensure accurate and credible communication, it's important to support "scientific explanations" with empirical evidence and avoid presenting them as absolute truths. Alternatives such as "scientific rationale" or "evidence-based explanation" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scientific rationale

Emphasizes the logical basis and justification rooted in scientific principles.

scientific reasoning

Highlights the process of logical thought and inference based on scientific evidence.

mechanistic explanation

Focuses on describing the specific processes and components involved in a phenomenon.

evidence-based explanation

Stresses that the explanation is grounded in empirical evidence and data.

naturalistic explanation

Explains phenomena in terms of natural causes and processes, avoiding supernatural or metaphysical elements.

empirical explanation

Highlights the role of observation and experimentation in providing an explanation.

theoretical framework

Refers to a structure of concepts and principles that organize and explain a set of phenomena.

causal explanation

Focuses on identifying the cause-and-effect relationships that explain a phenomenon.

research-backed explanation

Implies that the explanation is supported by thorough investigation and study.

fact-based explanation

Highlights that the explanation is based on verifiable facts and objective information.

FAQs

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

You can use "scientific explanation" to introduce a rationale or reasoning based on scientific principles or methods. For instance, "The scientific explanation for climate change involves the greenhouse effect."

What's a good alternative to "scientific explanation"?

Consider using "scientific rationale" or "evidence-based explanation" as alternatives, depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scientific explanation" in informal contexts?

While "scientific explanation" is suitable for formal and academic settings, simpler terms like "reason" or "cause" might be more appropriate in informal conversations.

What distinguishes a "scientific explanation" from other types of explanations?

A "scientific explanation" relies on empirical evidence, testable hypotheses, and adherence to the scientific method, unlike philosophical or speculative explanations.