that cannot be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that cannot be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is mysterious or difficult to understand. Example: "There are phenomena in the universe that cannot be explained by current scientific theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, recent studies have reported complex SVs that cannot be explained by those canonical SVs.

Virus Research

I've been exposed to a lot of stories that cannot be explained by the usual paradigms.

The Guardian

His subjects, he says, have problems that cannot be explained in normal medical terms.

The Guardian

"I am presenting material of the paranormal, things that cannot be explained.

The New York Times

But, of course, it is also a supernatural phenomenon that cannot be explained away.

The Guardian - Film

There's compelling evidence that if it's length of bones, that cannot be explained by training.

The New Yorker

If there is a secret process that cannot be explained, run.

The New York Times

Our sense of taste produces physical and emotional reactions that cannot be explained by chemical components alone.

Columbia University

The results point to a persistence of honest behaviour that cannot be explained by criteria of pure economic rationality.

Journal of Economics and Business

The presence of the world is an effect that cannot be explained by the activity of atoms alone.

Britannica

Employed politicians earn significant wage premiums relative to their co-workers — premiums that cannot be explained by their individual characteristics.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that cannot be explained", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking explanation. For example, 'The sudden change in weather is a phenomenon that cannot be explained by current models.'

Common error

Avoid using "that cannot be explained" as a placeholder for deeper analysis. Always strive to provide some context or hint as to why something is inexplicable, instead of leaving the reader in the dark.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that cannot be explained" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It provides additional information, indicating a quality or characteristic of the noun phrase that is beyond the scope of explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that cannot be explained" functions as a relative clause to denote situations or phenomena lacking rational explanation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to provide context rather than using it as a placeholder. Related phrases include "inexplicable" and "defies explanation". Understanding its usage helps in articulating the limits of current understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defies explanation

Highlights the impossibility of explaining something, similar to the original phrase.

inexplicable

Single word, directly expressing the idea of something that cannot be explained.

cannot be understood

Focuses on the lack of understanding rather than explanation.

unfathomable

Emphasizes the depth and difficulty of understanding something.

beyond comprehension

Highlights the inability to grasp the meaning or nature of something.

remains a mystery

Suggests that something has not been solved or understood over time.

mysterious

Suggests a sense of intrigue and hidden knowledge.

unaccountable

Focuses on the lack of a clear reason or justification.

baffles understanding

Indicates a strong resistance to being understood.

puzzles and defies reason

Indicates a situation that defies logical explanation or understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that cannot be explained"?

You can use alternatives like "inexplicable", "unfathomable", or "defies explanation" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "that cannot be explained"?

It means there is no known or apparent reason, cause, or justification for something. It suggests the situation is mysterious or beyond current understanding.

Is it better to use "that cannot be explained" or "unexplained"?

Both are correct, but "that cannot be explained" is more emphatic and suggests a deeper mystery. "Unexplained" is more neutral and simply indicates a lack of explanation. For example: "The reason for the drop in sales remains "unexplained"".

Can "that cannot be explained" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or abstract topics. However, ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context.