sufficient explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

'sufficient explanation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when offering an explanation which is deemed appropriate by the speaker. For example, "I'm sorry for not being able to attend the meeting, but I think this is a sufficient explanation for my absence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "events" are not a sufficient explanation.

The New York Times

Still, not sufficient explanation for his death.

The Guardian

But that was not sufficient explanation for Mr. Levin.

The New York Times

Both sides know that isn't a sufficient explanation.

The New York Times

But I don't think that's a sufficient explanation.

The Economist

This may seem obvious, but surprisingly few candidates include a sufficient explanation of their employers.

The Guardian

If that were not sufficient explanation for his success, they also emphasised Hillary Clinton's weakness as a frontrunner.

The Guardian

Livedrive's angry customers say they were cut off without sufficient explanation or any option to rectify the problem.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Lewy writes, "Prejudice alone... is not a sufficient explanation for the hostility directed at the Gypsies over the centuries".

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps this vastly excessive use of firepower is sufficient explanation for the appalling birth defects.

Independent

That's always struck me as a sufficient explanation for why Northerners retire to Florida (or that and savvy marketing).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficient explanation", ensure the context makes clear what criteria determine 'sufficiency'. For example, specify whose standards the explanation meets or what purpose it adequately serves.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience shares your understanding of what constitutes a "sufficient explanation". Always provide context and details so they can assess its adequacy themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "sufficient" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes an explanation that meets a certain standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufficient explanation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an explanation that meets the necessary requirements or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and generally correct. Its usage spans various fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what constitutes 'sufficiency' to avoid ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "adequate rationale" or "reasonable account" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific message you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate rationale

Emphasizes the reasoning behind something being acceptable, shifting from general explanation to justification.

satisfactory justification

Highlights the act of proving something to be right or reasonable, differing from a simple explanation.

reasonable account

Suggests a narrative or report that is sensible and logical, instead of a direct explanation.

acceptable clarification

Stresses the act of making something clearer and more understandable, implying that it meets certain standards.

convincing elucidation

Focuses on making something clear and persuasive, which implies more than just sufficiency.

sound exposition

Implies a thorough and well-organized presentation of facts or ideas, making it more formal than a simple explanation.

valid interpretation

Centers on a specific way of understanding something that is also legitimate or correct.

tenable argument

Indicates a position or claim that can be defended or maintained, differing from a broad explanation.

credible description

Focuses on the believability and reliability of the details provided, shifting from the act of explaining.

plausible story

Replaces explanation with a narrative that is believable but not necessarily factual.

FAQs

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

You can use "sufficient explanation" to indicate that an explanation is adequate or meets the necessary requirements for understanding. For example, "The evidence provided was a "sufficient explanation" for the observed phenomenon".

What's an alternative to "sufficient explanation"?

Alternatives to "sufficient explanation" include "adequate rationale", "satisfactory justification", or "reasonable account", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "sufficient explanation" or "adequate explanation"?

"Sufficient explanation" and "adequate explanation" are often interchangeable. "Sufficient" emphasizes meeting a specific requirement, while "adequate" suggests a general level of acceptability.

What does it mean if an explanation is not considered "sufficient explanation"?

If an explanation is not a "sufficient explanation", it means it doesn't fully clarify or justify something, leaving questions unanswered or lacking the necessary details. Additional information or clarification may be needed.