superficial explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superficial explanation" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a brief or shallow explanation that does not fully delve into the details or complexities of a topic. Example: "The textbook only provided a superficial explanation of the scientific theory, leaving many students confused and in need of further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The superficial explanation is that these are boys being boys, bonding over music and revelling in their little rebellion against Lois.

The New Yorker

The movie's superficial explanation of his insatiable drive for celebrity ascribes it to the ostracizing of his family of Estonian immigrants in Whittier, Calif., where he grew up.

The New York Times

What is really going on with these preposterous photo-ops?The superficial explanation is that they are part of the increasingly sinister personality cult the Kremlin has cultivated around Mr Putin, especially since he reassumed the presidency in 2012, after the four-year stint as prime minister that constitutional niceties required.

The Economist

"I do not see that as fair, I do not see why without notice and with such a superficial explanation I have to pay these guys for something that I do not think I have done".

BBC

The most obvious though superficial explanation is that reduced expressivity is a direct consequence of the severity of negative symptoms, a notion that is partially consistent with our results [ 38].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They are more grown-up about adultery.There are a number of superficial explanations for this contradiction, none very convincing.

The Economist

The quip that the battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton thus seems to have some truth.Pathways to successTwin studies such as these point the way, but they provide only superficial explanations of what is going on.

The Economist

The visual tours of those and later projects — the Sainsbury Center for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia, the Hearst Building in Manhattan, the former Swiss Re Tower (popularly known as the Gherkin) in London — enrich the sometimes abstract and superficial explanations of their origin and form.

The New York Times

In this context, a deeper functional analysis of the intelligent abilities of human agents is worthwhile doing, so as to shed light on spatial features, and avoid accepting superficial explanations.

City, Territory and Architecture

Indeed, the patient, when challenged, provides superficial explanations for it.

Consciousness and Cognition

Things go wrong when people's ability to adapt successfully is weakened, for example, by time constraints, inadequate training or goal conflicts and things will likely keep going wrong if we rely on facile, superficial explanations for those failures.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an explanation as "superficial", provide specific examples of what details are missing or oversimplified. This adds weight to your critique and offers constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid using the term "superficial explanation" as a blanket statement. Instead, elaborate on why the explanation is superficial by pinpointing the areas where it lacks depth or accuracy. Use more descriptive language to provide the right context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superficial explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "superficial" modifies the noun "explanation". It serves to characterize the type of explanation being offered, indicating its lack of depth or thoroughness, in line with Ludwig's AI response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superficial explanation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an account lacking in depth or thoroughness. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often used to express criticism regarding the inadequacy of a rationale. While the phrase appears across various domains, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, provide specific examples of the missing details to strengthen your critique. Related phrases such as "shallow rationale" and "cursory justification" can provide alternative ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallow rationale

This alternative replaces "explanation" with "rationale", suggesting a reason that lacks depth.

simplistic account

This alternative substitutes "explanation" with "account", implying an oversimplified version of events.

cursory justification

This alternative uses "justification" instead of "explanation", indicating a light or hasty attempt to defend something.

basic interpretation

This alternative replaces "explanation" with "interpretation", suggesting a fundamental or elementary understanding.

skin-deep reasoning

This alternative emphasizes the lack of profound thought or exploration in the provided logic.

incomplete reasoning

This phrase implies that the provided explanation has gaps or missing components.

surface-level analysis

This alternative highlights that the examination or breakdown of a topic remains at the exterior or apparent level.

perfunctory clarification

This alternative suggests a routine or indifferent explanation that lacks genuine effort.

limited insight

This alternative emphasizes the shallow understanding or awareness conveyed by the explanation.

glossing over

This option uses a verb phrase suggesting the omission of important details in an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "superficial explanation" to describe an account or rationale that lacks depth or thoroughness, for example: "The politician offered a "superficial explanation" for the budget deficit, failing to address the underlying economic issues."

What are some alternatives to "superficial explanation"?

Alternatives to "superficial explanation" include "shallow rationale", "cursory justification", or "simplistic account". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to call an explanation "superficial"?

Calling an explanation "superficial" means it lacks depth, thoroughness, or a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It suggests that the explanation only scratches the surface without delving into the complexities or nuances involved.

When is it appropriate to use the term "superficial explanation"?

It's appropriate to use "superficial explanation" when you want to critique or point out that an explanation is inadequate, oversimplified, or doesn't fully address the relevant details or underlying issues.