the explanation given

USAGE SUMMARY

"the explanation given" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an explanation that has already been provided earlier in a text or conversation. For example: "The explanation given was clear and easy to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writer quotes the explanation given in the book's preface.

The New Yorker

The explanation given is that otherwise the dictatorships' economies would disintegrate, bringing revolution.

The New York Times

"The explanation given was that they're holding their convention at the same time," Brooks said.

The Washington Post

The explanation given was that he had to meet the President.

Independent

"If you're not good at this game, you're an idiot," is the explanation given by the authors.

The New Yorker

No, no, just "improper wording," was the explanation given to Network World by someone at TheCellShop.com named Danny.

The New York Times

It turns out that the explanation given there needs some corrections and it is the sole purpose of this note.

Journal of Computational Physics

PERSONAL greed is often the explanation given for the disastrous forays of the world's banks into America's subprime mortgages.

The Economist

"The development of TrueCrypt was ended in 5/2014 after Microsoft terminated support of Windows XP," is the explanation given on the software's webpage.

The Guardian - Tech

That was the explanation given in the explanatory memorandum, that government was looking for a more efficient way to deal with FOI disputes".

The Guardian

American aviation investigators say they do not know whether the explanation given by the pilot, which was first reported today in The Los Angeles Times, is true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the explanation given", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the explanation. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source of the explanation, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the explanation given" without clearly referencing the source or context of the explanation. Readers should not have to guess where the explanation originated; always provide sufficient background.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation given" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a reason or justification that has already been presented or is understood within the context. Ludwig AI identifies this usage as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the explanation given" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, especially in news and media and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of the explanation. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "the provided rationale" or "the justification presented", the key is to maintain contextual clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the offered explanation

Swaps 'given' for 'offered', focusing on the act of providing.

the given justification

Similar in meaning but reorders the words for slight emphasis shift.

the rationale provided

Similar, but emphasizes the provision of the rationale.

the provided rationale

Focuses on the reason being supplied, rather than the act of giving it.

the justification presented

Highlights the formal act of offering a reason or excuse.

the presented reason

Highlights the act of presenting the rationale.

the reason stated

Emphasizes that a reason was explicitly communicated.

the shared rationale

Emphasizes that the rationale is mutually understood or agreed upon.

the account offered

Implies a more detailed or narrative explanation.

the stated cause

Focuses on identifying a specific cause.

FAQs

How can I use "the explanation given" in a sentence?

You can use "the explanation given" to refer back to a reason or justification that has already been stated, for example: "The explanation given for the delay was a technical issue".

What are some alternatives to "the explanation given"?

Some alternatives include "the provided rationale", "the justification presented", or "the reason stated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "gave" the explanation?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who gave the explanation often enhances clarity and credibility. If the source is important, include it: "The explanation given by the CEO was..."

What is the difference between "the explanation given" and "the explanation provided"?

The phrases are nearly synonymous. "Given" implies a more passive act of offering, while "provided" can suggest a more deliberate or formal presentation. The choice often depends on the context and desired emphasis, although both are extremely close in meaning.