the ultimate explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ultimate explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a final or most comprehensive reason or justification for something. Example: "After years of research, the scientists finally presented the ultimate explanation for the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Whatever the ultimate explanation, I think it was a bad move.

The New Yorker

Whatever the ultimate explanation may be, the advantage appears to extend to other types of thinking, too.

The New Yorker

Neither does the ultimate explanation of the fate of the children's mother, nor why Will behaves as he does, particularly towards Alice.

The Guardian - Books

But recently, a small group of scientists has begun to explore the idea that the ultimate explanation lies deep in the evolutionary past.

The New York Times - Health

God, or a cosmic teleology, is the ultimate explanation of everything, which means that there is nothing that cannot be explained in those terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of names, the first clause provides the ultimate explanation for the truth of each succeeding clause.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Although we do not perceive all things as being together, and the move to the ultimate explanations is an inference, it is a legitimate one ("owing to their [the senses'] feebleness, we are not able to determine the truth" yet "appearances are a sight of the unseen" 59B21 and 21a).

SEP

Second, the intensity of regulation may change during colony development, according to the ultimate explanations for the evolution of policing behaviour.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In fact, the first part of Ariew's sentence is actually a rejection of the term "ultimate explanation" (Ariew also rejects "ultimate cause").

Biology and Philosophy

And when Roland Barthes proclaimed the "death of the author" as the single origin and ultimate explanation of the text, he was really announcing the birth of the reader as its new source of meaning and significance.

The New Yorker

Why does Swinburne hold that God provide the best or ultimate explanation of the universe?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the ultimate explanation", ensure that it truly represents the most comprehensive and fundamental reason, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a correlation for "the ultimate explanation". Just because two things occur together doesn't mean one is the fundamental cause of the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ultimate explanation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most fundamental or comprehensive reason for something. Ludwig confirms it as grammatically correct, as evidenced in its example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ultimate explanation" refers to the most fundamental and comprehensive reason for something. While grammatically correct and used in various contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias, its frequency is uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples demonstrating its usage. Related phrases include "the definitive explanation" and "the root cause". When using this phrase, ensure it truly represents the most comprehensive reason and avoid confusing correlation with causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ultimate cause

Similar to the original, but emphasizes causality.

the definitive explanation

Emphasizes the conclusive and authoritative nature of the explanation.

the final explanation

Highlights that the explanation is the last one needed or given.

the root cause

Focuses on identifying the fundamental reason behind an issue.

the underlying reason

Suggests a deeper, less obvious cause.

the real reason

Implies that other explanations are misleading or incorrect.

the fundamental principle

Highlights a basic concept that explains how something works.

the key to understanding

Highlights the explanation as essential for comprehension.

the bottom line

Stresses the most important consideration or explanation.

the grand theory

Implies a comprehensive and overarching explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "the ultimate explanation" to refer to the deepest, most fundamental reason or justification for something. For example, "Scientists sought "the ultimate explanation" for the universe's expansion."

What is a good alternative to "the ultimate explanation"?

Alternatives include "the definitive explanation", "the final explanation", or "the root cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "the ultimate explanation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic and scientific contexts where comprehensive reasoning is expected. It's also suitable in "formal and business communication".

What is the difference between "the ultimate explanation" and "a possible explanation"?

"The ultimate explanation" suggests a complete and definitive answer, whereas "a possible explanation" implies a tentative or potential answer that needs further investigation.