the explanation is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the explanation is lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that an explanation does not provide enough information or detail. Example: "After reviewing the report, I found that the explanation is lacking in clarity and depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Treatment of these patients has evolved dramatically in the last few decades, yet a genetic explanation is lacking for the failure of cardiac development for the majority of children with TOF.

BMC Medical Genomics

Despite the overall consistency of the findings, a clear biological explanation is lacking.

Cancer Medicine

A comprehensive explanation is lacking for the broad array of cognitive effects modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

An explanation is lacking for this observation.

BMC Veterinary Research

Due to these inconsistent results, a clear explanation is lacking.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

It is unlikely that crossover and dilution of effect is a sufficient explanation of the negative findings in REEACT, and the more likely explanation is lack of uptake of the intervention when this is offered, even with telephone support.

British Medical Journal

From recent studies it seems likely that responses to central and local vasoconstrictors will be site specific and lead to spatially modulated changes in flow through the microcirculation [16], but detailed explanations are lacking.

Cell Calcium

Similar adaptive explanations are lacking for the remaining species, however.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

One possible explanation was lack of functional polymorphism at these loci in the association panel.

BMC Genomics

An adequate explanation however, is lacking.

BMC Public Health

Nevertheless, a plausible explanation for the association is lacking.

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the explanation is lacking" when you want to directly state that an explanation is missing or insufficient. This phrase is suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where a clear explanation is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "the explanation is lacking" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or critical in everyday settings. Consider using simpler phrases like "I don't understand" or "It doesn't make sense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation is lacking" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that an explanation is either absent or insufficient. It presents a judgment on the adequacy of a provided or expected explanation, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the explanation is lacking" is a grammatically correct statement used to express that an explanation is either missing or inadequate. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's crucial to consider the context; it is best suited for formal or scientific writing. Since the phrase is more formal, it's better to pick alternative, less blunt, options for informal conversation. Given the phrase’s somewhat critical connotation, it’s wise to use it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rationale is missing

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale" implying the reasoning is absent.

there is no clear explanation

Emphasizes the absence of a clear and understandable explanation.

the reason remains unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity regarding the reason behind something.

the justification is absent

Highlights the lack of a valid justification or defense.

a rationale is absent

Highlights the lack of a valid rationale

no rationale exists

Emphasizes the non-existence of any reason

the underlying cause is unknown

Shifts the focus to the unknown cause rather than the explanation.

the reasons are not fully understood

Suggests a partial understanding but incomplete explanation.

there's no adequate explanation

Indicates the existing explanation does not meet the required standards.

a complete account is missing

Focuses on the absence of a full and comprehensive explanation.

FAQs

What does "the explanation is lacking" mean?

The phrase "the explanation is lacking" means that a clear or sufficient explanation for something is missing or unavailable. It implies that further clarification or information is needed to fully understand a situation or phenomenon.

How can I use "the explanation is lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "the explanation is lacking" to express that an explanation is incomplete or nonexistent. For example: "After reviewing the data, it became clear that "the explanation is lacking" in supporting evidence."

What are some alternatives to "the explanation is lacking"?

Some alternatives to "the explanation is lacking" include "the rationale is missing", "there is no clear explanation", or "the reason remains unclear". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the explanation is lacking" in formal writing?

Yes, "the explanation is lacking" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where clear and thorough explanations are expected. However, consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly.