their explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an explanation provided by a specific group of people or individuals. Example: "After reviewing their explanation, I found it to be quite thorough and informative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their explanation is simple.

The New York Times

Their explanation, albeit tentative, is straightforward.

The Economist

I thought their explanation was terrific".

The New York Times - Sports

Their explanation was a medical one.

The Economist

"Their explanation is not convincing".

The New York Times

"I don't buy their explanation," he said.

The New York Times

Their explanation is elegant and satisfying.

The New York Times

We find no evidence supporting their explanation by loss aversion.

Journal of Economic Psychology

There is some good math in their explanation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Their explanation at Congressional hearings: how could we know?

The New York Times - Magazine

So what is their explanation of what is going on?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their explanation", ensure it's clear who 'they' refers to, especially in complex sentences or when multiple groups are involved. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a single explanation represents an entire group's viewpoint. Qualify the statement if "their explanation" reflects only a subset of opinions within the group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'their' is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun 'explanation'. It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the reasoning or justification offered by a specific group of people. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their explanation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the reasons or justifications provided by a group. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression appears frequently across various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and academic writing. While suitable for both formal and informal use, clarity regarding who "they" refers to is essential. Related phrases like "their reasoning" or "their rationale" can provide alternative ways to express the same idea. Be mindful of accurately representing group viewpoints and avoid misattributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their reasoning

Focuses on the logical process behind the explanation, highlighting the thinking involved.

their rationale

Emphasizes the underlying principles or logic that supports their explanation.

their account

Refers to a narrative or description of events from their perspective, often serving as an explanation.

the explanation they gave

Rephrases the query with a slightly different word order and structure.

the reasons they provided

Highlights the reasons or justifications offered, framing it as information given.

their justification

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

their defense

Implies the explanation is intended to protect or support a position.

their interpretation

Focuses on how they understand or view a particular situation or event.

their stated reasons

Highlights that the reasons were formally declared or made known.

the story they told

Emphasizes the narrative aspect of the explanation, potentially implying a less factual account.

FAQs

What does "their explanation" mean?

The phrase "their explanation" refers to a reason, justification, or account provided by a group of people or individuals to clarify a situation, event, or decision.

What can I say instead of "their explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "their reasoning", "their rationale", or "the explanation they gave" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "their explanation" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After carefully considering all the evidence, we found "their explanation" to be the most plausible."

Is "their explanation" formal or informal language?

"Their explanation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.