the explanation is that

USAGE SUMMARY

"the explanation is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an explanation for something. For example, "The explanation is that the bank had mistakenly processed the transaction twice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The explanation is that merely expecting progress is not enough to bring it about.

Harvard Business Review

The explanation is that market share is about sales, not installed base.

The Guardian - Tech

The explanation is that games cannot be moved to other nights while entertainment can always be rescheduled.

The New York Times - Arts

The explanation is that the climate itself is changing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The explanation is that China is Vietnam's biggest trading partner.

The Economist

The explanation is that most voters in cities are poor.

The Economist

The explanation is that there is not much of it.

The Economist

Unfortunately, part of the explanation is that the Census retail data are unreliable.

Harvard Business Review

Part of the explanation is that most people don't use the Internet for news at all.

The Washington Post

The explanation is that all the atoms were once inside a star.

The New York Times - Science

The explanation is that people's enjoyment wanes as they become accustomed to their holiday lifestyle.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the explanation is that" to clearly introduce a reason or cause for a situation. It provides a straightforward way to present an explanation to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the explanation is that" for very obvious or simple explanations. Sometimes a more direct statement is more effective.

Linguistic Context

"The explanation is that" serves as a connector phrase, specifically functioning as a causal marker. It introduces an explanation or reason for a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the explanation is that" functions as a causal connector, introducing explanations or reasons. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it’s grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "the reason is that" or "the cause is that" exist, "the explanation is that" offers a straightforward way to present explanations in a structured manner. Remember to avoid overuse in simple contexts where direct statements are more effective. It’s a versatile phrase suitable for formal writing and detailed justifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason is that

Replaces "explanation" with "reason", focusing on the cause.

the cause is that

Substitutes "explanation" with "cause", emphasizing the origin or source.

the answer is that

Uses "answer" instead of "explanation", implying a solution or response.

the justification is that

Replaces "explanation" with "justification", suggesting a defense or rationale.

the rationale is that

Similar to "justification", but focuses on the underlying logic.

the point is that

Shifts the focus to the main idea or argument.

it follows that

Indicates a logical consequence or deduction.

that is because

Offers a direct causal connection.

the long and short of it is that

Provides a concise summary or explanation.

in essence

Condenses the explanation to its most fundamental aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "the explanation is that" to introduce the reason or cause behind a situation. For example, "The project failed, the explanation is that the team lacked sufficient resources."

What phrases are similar to "the explanation is that"?

Alternatives include "the reason is that", "the cause is that", or "the answer is that". Each provides a slightly different nuance while serving a similar function.

Is it better to use "the explanation is that" or "because"?

"The explanation is that" is more formal and emphasizes that you're about to give a formal explanation. "Because" is more direct and can be used in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "the explanation is that" in writing?

It's suitable for formal writing, reports, or when providing a detailed justification. It helps to structure your explanation and make it clear to the reader.