the simplest explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the simplest explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to present a straightforward or uncomplicated reason for something. Example: "The simplest explanation for the sudden increase in sales is the new marketing strategy we implemented last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The revision should be the simplest explanation for newly discovered facts.

The New York Times

The simplest explanation for the applause is that Remsburg deserved the respect, and he did.

The New Yorker

The simplest explanation for the European Central Bank's hawkish demeanor is its inflation-fighting mandate.

The New York Times

That may sound flip, but it's the simplest explanation for the coming chaos.

MIT Technology Review

The simplest explanation for that lies in pinot's nickname: the heartbreak grape.

The New York Times

The simplest explanation for the movie's success is that audiences love to see rich people humiliated.

The New York Times

The simplest explanation for dissents is that the members could not bring themselves to agree with the majority opinions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The simplest explanation for biased algorithms is that the humans who create them have their own deeply entrenched biases.

The Guardian - Tech

"We just didn't execute". That is the simplest explanation for the disappointments among the African teams competing this year.

The Washington Post

The simplest explanation for this tempest in a teapot is that Mr Obama's critics will seize on any perceived error.

The Economist

The simplest explanation for all verbal mistakes, Mr. Erard writes, is that they occur "as the brain shifts from planning to executing or back again".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the simplest explanation for", ensure that the explanation you provide is genuinely the most straightforward and requires minimal assumptions. Avoid oversimplification that could lead to inaccuracies.

Common error

Avoid using "the simplest explanation for" when addressing multifaceted problems that demand nuanced understanding. Oversimplifying can lead to misinterpretations and incomplete solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the simplest explanation for" functions as an introductory phrase used to present a reason or cause that is considered the most straightforward and uncomplicated. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the simplest explanation for" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a straightforward reason or cause. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While the phrase is helpful for clarity, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification when addressing complex issues. Alternatives like "the most straightforward reason for" and "the clearest rationale for" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. This phrase is best used when you want to provide an easily understandable explanation, ensuring it's accurate and avoids misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most straightforward reason for

Focuses on clarity and directness in providing a reason.

the clearest rationale for

Emphasizes the logical basis and justification behind something.

the most obvious cause of

Highlights the readily apparent reason behind an event or situation.

the primary reason for

Indicates the main or principal reason among other potential factors.

the main contributing factor to

Points to a significant element that plays a role in causing something.

the key reason behind

Stresses the crucial or essential reason for something occurring.

a likely explanation for

Suggests a plausible but not necessarily definitive reason.

an easy way to explain

Highlights how an explanation can be understandable.

the underlying reason for

Suggests a foundational or fundamental cause.

the basic reason for

Emphasizes the elemental or fundamental explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "the simplest explanation for" in a sentence?

Use "the simplest explanation for" to introduce a straightforward reason or cause. For example, "The simplest explanation for the project's delay is the unexpected budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "the simplest explanation for"?

You can use alternatives like "the most straightforward reason for", "the clearest rationale for", or "the most obvious cause of" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "the simplest explanation for"?

It is appropriate when you want to present a clear and uncomplicated reason for something, especially when other potential explanations are more complex or less likely.

What's the difference between "the simplest explanation for" and "the most likely explanation for"?

"The simplest explanation for" implies that the reason is straightforward and easy to understand, while "the most likely explanation for" suggests the reason is the most probable based on available evidence, even if it's not necessarily the simplest.