the explanation behind it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the explanation behind it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reasons or rationale for a particular situation, event, or phenomenon. Example: "The explanation behind it lies in the historical context of the decision made by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's the best-looking and most convincing of the three, and the explanation behind it is the hardest to piece together, not that any of the three mysteries is terribly difficult to solve.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, it seems that the explanation behind this may be much less sexy than an art stunt.

Vice

He told Johnston to wait for the afternoon session in Rhodesia's Legislative Assembly to hear Dupont's official announcement of Reedman's appointment, as well as the full Rhodesian explanation behind it.

Wikipedia

He may have called United "masters in complication" after 90 minutes of overplaying it against West Brom, but the explanation behind the result was very simple.

Vice

Regardless of the explanation behind the preferential detection of unselected transposon insertions within specific genomic regions, it is an important factor that should be considered when interpreting CIS lists from SB screens.

BMC Genomics

The resulting clothes, and the explanation behind them, show that a growing number of men want to spend money on tailoring that is entirely unsuitable for the boardroom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The explanation behind the accident was the first by an official from one of three agencies that have been looking into why the scaffold gave way.

The New York Times

This could be part of the explanation behind the difference between this and other series [7 10].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The explanation behind this tessellation of the space is providing nationwide a full coverage of the land (meaning no gaps and holes).

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

But could this anecdote be the explanation behind the photo shoot?

Huffington Post

Second, what is the explanation behind the contradictory statements made by the school principal regarding her whereabouts at the time of the kidnapping?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the explanation behind it" when you want to provide a detailed account or clarification for a situation or phenomenon. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures when using "the explanation behind it". Keep the surrounding language clear and concise to ensure the explanation is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation behind it" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the reasoning or rationale for a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the explanation behind it" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for introducing the reasons or rationale behind something. While Ludwig AI notes its usability, its frequency is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures. Alternatives such as "the reason for it" or "the rationale for it" can provide more concise options, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason for it

Focuses directly on the reason, omitting 'explanation'.

the rationale for it

Highlights the underlying logic or justification.

the logic behind it

Emphasizes the reasoning and principles involved.

the cause of it

Emphasizes the causal factor, rather than a detailed explanation.

the basis for it

Indicates the foundation or groundwork that something is built upon.

the justification for it

Stresses the reasons given to defend or support something.

the motivation behind it

Highlights the driving force or incentive.

the purpose of it

Focuses on the intended aim or objective.

the story behind it

Indicates a narrative or account of events.

the secret to it

Suggests a hidden or not easily understood reason.

FAQs

How can I use "the explanation behind it" in a sentence?

You can use "the explanation behind it" to introduce a reason or cause. For example, "The team struggled, and the explanation behind it was a lack of preparation".

What are some alternatives to "the explanation behind it"?

Alternatives include "the reason for it", "the cause of it", or "the rationale for it", depending on the specific context.

Is "the explanation behind it" formal or informal?

"The explanation behind it" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "the explanation behind it" and "the reason behind it"?

While similar, "the explanation behind it" suggests a more detailed account, whereas "the reason behind it" is more direct and concise.