that needs explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that needs explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is unclear or requires further clarification. Example: "The concept of quantum mechanics is complex and that needs explanation for those unfamiliar with the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is, he replied, a squad that needs "explanation".

The Guardian - Sport

"If there's a play that receives a great amount of attention, that needs explanation and clarification, sure, we're going to be more inclined to include that in the education of our fans," Jackson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is precisely an actual occasion's present creativity that needs explanation, and it cannot pull itself up by its own bootstraps so to speak.

SEP

While the postponement of reproduction, low parity, and short lactation are outcomes of social, economic, and political developments that began in the nineteenth century, lowering of the age at menarche is a phenomenon that needs explanation from the evolutionary perspective.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Well, that needs explanation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He seems to be addressing a naïve young readership that needs explanations of jazz, rhythm and blues, segregation, crossover records, Elvis Presley and Lyrics 101.

The New York Times - Books

Northern Ireland, of course, was one: hard, often brutal news that needed explanation and sense of history.

The Guardian

It can be wondered how far his elucidation of the central notions is adequate, and it can also be wondered whether he attends to all the notions that need explanation in relation to formal logic (e.g., consistency and completeness).

SEP

Taken together, these two specimens had demonstrated pretty conclusively by the mid-1860s therehere was not simply a pathological form of Homo sapiens, as many influential biologists had claimed, but at the very least a highly distinctive human "variety" that needed explanation of some kind.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Table 1 shows the categories created by intersecting the two different evolutionary questions with a selection of things that need explanation.

Evolutionary Applications

One provider explained: A community health worker may inject well, but when it comes to the biology … in case of any side effects that need explanation, a community health worker may not be in a position to assist appropriately.

Global health, science and practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that needs explanation" when introducing a complex topic or concept that requires simplification for your audience. Be prepared to provide a clear and concise explanation immediately afterward.

Common error

Avoid using "that needs explanation" as a placeholder. Always follow through with a clear and detailed explanation to avoid frustrating your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that needs explanation" functions as a relative clause identifying a subject requiring further elucidation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. The phrase highlights a lack of immediate clarity, setting the stage for a more detailed account or clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that needs explanation" is a relative clause used to indicate that something requires further clarification or detailing. Ludwig AI finds it grammatically correct and common. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse settings, most frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives include "that requires clarification" and "that demands an explanation". When using the phrase, ensure to always provide the necessary explanation to avoid leaving your audience confused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that requires clarification

Emphasizes the necessity of making something clearer.

that calls for clarification

Suggests a demand or strong need for clarification.

that demands an explanation

Highlights the urgency or insistence of requiring an explanation.

that necessitates further explanation

Formal and emphasizes the unavoidable need for more explanation.

that needs more detail

Indicates a lack of sufficient information or elaboration.

that warrants further discussion

Suggests the appropriateness of discussing something in more detail.

that begs the question

Highlights an issue that naturally leads to a specific question or inquiry.

that remains unclear

Focuses on the current lack of clarity.

that is not self-explanatory

Highlights that something is not immediately obvious or understood.

that is open to interpretation

Suggests that something can be understood in multiple ways.

FAQs

How can I use "that needs explanation" in a sentence?

Use "that needs explanation" when you want to point out something that is not immediately clear and requires further clarification. For example: "The economic theory is quite complex; that needs explanation before we can proceed."

What can I say instead of "that needs explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "that requires clarification", "that demands an explanation", or "that necessitates further explanation depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that needs to be explained" instead of "that needs explanation"?

Yes, "that needs to be explained" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice between the two often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "that requires explanation" and "that needs explanation"?

While both phrases are similar, "that requires explanation" can sound slightly more formal than "that needs explanation". "That requires explanation" suggests a stronger necessity or formality compared to "that needs explanation".