the explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to provide a formal explanation of a topic. For example, "The explanation of quantum mechanics can be found in the text book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the explanation of the Empire.

The New Yorker

What is the explanation of Drood's disappearance?

The Guardian - Books

Let's turn to the explanation of risks.

The Guardian - Money

The explanation of events is clearly accurate.

The Guardian - Business

The explanation, of course, is that the process is politicized.

The New Yorker

All attention is focused on the explanation of concrete phenomena.

Britannica

Few people buy the explanation of this admittedly bizarre episode.

The Guardian

The explanation of my violation was simple enough.

The New York Times

The explanation of its worth goes beyond sensation or prankishness.

The New York Times - Arts

Self and Other in the Explanation of Behavior.

Yale University

The Explanation of Crime: Context, Mechanisms and Development.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the explanation of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being explained. Provide sufficient details to make the explanation understandable.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or complex language when providing "the explanation of" something, especially if the intended audience is not familiar with the subject matter. Keep it simple and accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a detailed account or clarification for a specific topic or phenomenon. It's often used to signal that a comprehensive reason or understanding is about to be presented. As Ludwig AI suggests, its purpose is to give formal explanation of a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

40%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the explanation of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a detailed account or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and applicable across a wide array of contexts, mainly science, news and academia. While alternatives like "the reason for" or "the cause of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex language to effectively communicate your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason for

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

the cause of

Substitutes "explanation" with "cause", highlighting the origin of something.

the rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical basis or reasoning for something.

the justification for

Focuses on providing a valid reason or excuse for an action or event.

the grounds for

Highlights the basis or foundation upon which something is based.

the account of

Replaces "explanation" with "account", referring to a description or report.

the interpretation of

Focuses on understanding or clarifying the meaning of something.

the meaning of

Emphasizes the significance or sense behind something.

the key to

Highlights the crucial factor or solution for something.

the secret of

Implies a hidden or mysterious reason behind something.

FAQs

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

Use "the explanation of" to introduce a reason, cause, or clarification. For example, "The explanation of /s/the+economic+crisis centers around deregulation" or "The explanation of /s/quantum+entanglement requires advanced physics knowledge".

What are some alternatives to "the explanation of"?

You can use alternatives like "the reason for", "the cause of", or "the rationale behind" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "the explanation of" or "an explanation for"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "The explanation of" suggests a specific, often detailed, clarification. "An explanation for" is more general and can refer to any reason or justification.

What's the difference between "the explanation of" and "the definition of"?

"The explanation of" provides reasoning or clarification behind a concept or event, whereas "the definition of" offers a precise meaning or scope. For example, you might seek "the explanation of /s/climate+change", but ask for "the definition of /s/global+warming".