there is a better explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a better explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that an alternative or more satisfactory reason or rationale exists for a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "While some may argue that the results are due to chance, I believe there is a better explanation for the observed outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But I think there is a better explanation.

The Guardian

There is a better explanation: collecting, at its highest levels, is more like hunting than shopping.

The New York Times

She added, "There is a better explanation than that everybody here is evil all the time: intoxicated teen-agers are the world's worst thinkers".

The New Yorker

While undoubtedly there are many patients who seek help without trying self-care, there is a better explanation for the rise in demand for appointments – that people are getting sicker.

The Guardian

Unless there is a better explanation of such asymmetrical dependencies, it may well be that the theory is misguided in attempting to rest meaning upon them.

SEP

There is a better explanation for Megan wearing that shirt than that it is a foreshadowing of her murder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But now maybe there's a better explanation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In both cases, however, there's a better explanation for what happened.

The New York Times

Rather than looking through his media library, though, there's a better explanation for where the Facebook founder is heading: he will be aware of the brevity of the period in the limelight most tech CEOs enjoy, so at 30 he's entitled to have a mid-life crisis.

The Guardian - Tech

So perhaps there's a better explanation for the way the laws have been applied than what Bryce calls an Obama administration double standard.

Huffington Post

I don't even know what garfish looks like, but there must be a better explanation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “there is a better explanation” when you want to introduce a more logical or convincing reason for a situation than the one initially presented. This phrase is effective in persuasive writing and discussions where you need to offer an alternative viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using “there is a better explanation” in very casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or condescending. Opt for simpler phrases like “maybe it’s because…” or “I think it’s more like…” to maintain a friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “there is a better explanation” functions as an introductory phrase to suggest that an alternative, and presumably more accurate, explanation exists for a given situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “there is a better explanation” serves as an effective way to introduce an alternative, often more compelling, viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, signaling a neutral register suitable for formal and informal discussions. When employing this phrase, remember its strength lies in offering a more logical reason, but overuse in casual conversations may come across as overly formal. Consider alternatives such as ""an alternative explanation exists"" or ""a more plausible explanation is available"" to tailor the message to your audience. The frequency of this phrase is "common".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an alternative explanation exists

Focuses on the existence of a different explanation, emphasizing the alternative nature.

a more plausible explanation is available

Highlights the increased believability of another explanation.

another reason is more likely

Suggests a higher probability for a different cause or motive.

the real reason is probably something else

Implies deception or misunderstanding in the initially presented reason.

there's another way to look at it

Offers a new perspective or viewpoint.

perhaps a different cause is at play

Points toward an alternative causal factor.

a more accurate explanation might be

Suggests that a more precise and truthful explanation is available.

it's more likely due to something else

Shifts the focus to a different, more probable cause.

an alternative perspective is warranted

Highlights the need for a different understanding or viewpoint.

the explanation is not as it seems

Suggests that the current explanation is misleading and requires reconsideration.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a better explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a better explanation" to introduce an alternative, more plausible reason for something. For example, "While some may attribute the company's success to luck, "there is a better explanation": a dedicated and talented team."

What are some alternatives to saying "there is a better explanation"?

Alternatives include "an alternative explanation exists", "a more plausible explanation is available", or "another reason is more likely", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there's a better explanation"?

Yes, "there's a better explanation" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "there is a better explanation" and is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "there is a better explanation" and "there might be a better explanation"?

"There is a better explanation" suggests you have a specific alternative explanation in mind. "There might be a better explanation" implies you suspect the current explanation is inadequate but don't necessarily have a clear alternative.