specific explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"specific explanation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are providing an explanation that is precise and detailed. For example, "I gave my boss a specific explanation for why I was late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The report filed late Monday shows dozens of payments to credit card companies that were not accompanied by a specific explanation of what the money was spent on.

The New York Times

It offered the first specific explanation of why some people bounce back after a stressful life event while others plunge into lasting despair.

The New York Times

If the Telegraph wants to be believed, it has to address each one, not with a blanket denial, but with a specific explanation.

The Guardian

"We have not been given any other specific explanation so far and this is simply to understand the circumstances of what went on and why such an obvious error was made".

The Guardian - Sport

That said, listening to cricket on the radio or following live text coverage creates its own rhythm to a day's play, its own specific explanation of the action, its space for thoughts and reflection.

The Guardian - Sport

Concerned about continued allegations that union officials tipped off players about some of baseball's 2004 drug tests, the commissioner's office contacted the union on Wednesday and said it wanted a specific explanation for one of the alleged incidents.

The New York Times - Sports

He declined to say whether the United States had sought a specific explanation from North Korean officials, and added that the issue "does not change the goal of what we're aiming for".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The public loves these kinds of things," said Luciano Pellicani, an Italian sociologist, adding that beyond the subject matter and seemingly cunning introduction of the book, there was no special, Italy-specific explanation for its success.

The New York Times

Some theorists are not so concerned to provide a 'law-specific' explanation of why coherence has an important role to play in legal reasoning.

SEP

For these bugs, the summary and description of the report indicate that it is a concurrency bug, but further classification of bug type is impossible by a very project implementation-specific explanation of the bug details and solution.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

An event-specific explanation is that working memory is updated at this boundary and the prior event model with the object is discarded in favor of the updated model that is ready to encode new information.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "specific explanation" adds clarity and credibility to your arguments.

Common error

While "specific explanation" is useful for clarity, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "reason" or "details" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., provide, give, seek). It denotes a detailed and precise account of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific explanation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, suitable for formal, neutral, and even informal contexts depending on the level of detail required. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used across various sources, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the explanation is indeed detailed and precise to avoid overuse in casual conversation. While it’s important to note several alternatives like "detailed account", "precise clarification" and "thorough justification" are available, the choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed account

Focuses on the level of detail provided, emphasizing a thorough and comprehensive description.

precise clarification

Highlights accuracy and the removal of ambiguity in the explanation.

thorough justification

Emphasizes the completeness and convincing nature of the reason given.

explicit exposition

Stresses the openness and clarity of the explanation, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

in-depth rationale

Highlights the depth and underlying logic behind the explanation.

clear articulation

Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of how the explanation is presented.

defined reasoning

Highlights the structured and logical approach to the explanation.

exact interpretation

Focuses on providing a precise and accurate understanding.

circumstantial details

Focuses on the situation around the event. Provides granularity.

meticulous illustration

Emphasizes the careful and thorough way an idea or concept is demonstrated.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific explanation" to introduce a detailed account of something. For example, "The report provided a "specific explanation" for the budget deficit."

What are some alternatives to "specific explanation"?

Alternatives include "detailed account", "precise clarification", or "thorough justification", depending on the context.

Is "specific explanation" formal or informal?

"Specific explanation" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but avoid overuse in very informal situations. Using simpler terms like "reason" or "details" might be more appropriate in casual settings.

What's the difference between "specific explanation" and "general explanation"?

A "specific explanation" provides detailed and precise information, while a "general explanation" offers a broader overview without as much detail. Choose "specific explanation" when accuracy and clarity are essential.