this could be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be explained" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express the potential for an idea, event, process, etc. to be explained in further detail. For example: "The sudden change in the company's management structure this past month is confusing, but this could be explained by the recent announcement of a merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be explained by several factors.

BMC Genomics

Some of this could be explained by measurement issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

This could be explained by a known developmental delay caused by chronic mTOR inhibition during development50.

Nature

This could be explained by the system aging of the plant.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

This could be explained by the integrity factor modeling in terms of micro-cracking.

Acta Materialia

This could be explained by a Pilling Bedworth ratio around 1 for Ti/TiO.

Electrochimica Acta

This could be explained by high CO2 concentrations in the O2/CO2 combustion.

Combustion and Flame

This could be explained by assuming that competitive adsorption displaced oxygen in favor of acetic acid.

Catalysis Today

This could be explained for most of the post-war period by lack of competition.

The Economist

This could be explained by travel motives.

European Transport Research Review

This could be explained by lipid autoxidation and photo-oxidation.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could be explained", ensure the explanation you provide is clear and directly relevant to the statement being explained. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.

Common error

Avoid using "this could be explained" as a filler phrase without offering a tangible explanation or directing the reader to where the explanation can be found. If you state it, make sure to follow through or provide a clear indication of where further information can be accessed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could be explained" functions as a modal phrase used to introduce a possible explanation for a given situation or observation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in academic, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

81%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could be explained" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce potential explanations across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's common in both scientific and journalistic writing, indicating a neutral register. To use it effectively, ensure that the explanation provided is clear and relevant. While it's a very common phrase, be mindful of overuse without sufficient supporting details. Consider alternatives like "this might be clarified" or "this can be accounted for" to diversify your writing. The high frequency and varied usage confirm its acceptability and utility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might be clarified

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", focusing on making something clearer rather than providing a reason.

this can be accounted for

Shifts the focus to providing an account or reason for something, implying a more formal or analytical explanation.

this may be attributed to

Suggests that something is caused by a specific factor, framing the explanation as a cause-and-effect relationship.

a reason for this could be

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the search for a reason, implying a less certain or conclusive explanation.

the explanation for this is

Posits a direct explanation, suggesting more certainty than "could be explained".

this is potentially explained by

Adds emphasis on the potential aspect of the explanation. The phrase keeps the focus on the possibility that something could explain something else.

this is possibly due to

Indicates a possible cause, rather than a full explanation, suggesting a less complete understanding.

it is conceivable that this results from

Frames the explanation as a conceivable outcome, emphasizing possibility and indirect causation.

one interpretation could be

Presents the explanation as one possible interpretation, highlighting subjectivity and alternative viewpoints.

a plausible reason is

Introduces an explanation as plausible, suggesting it is believable but not necessarily definitive.

FAQs

How can I use "this could be explained" in a sentence?

Use "this could be explained" to introduce a potential reason or clarification for a situation or statement. For example, "The unexpected results could be explained by a change in the experimental conditions".

What's a more formal way to say "this could be explained"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "this can be accounted for" or "this may be attributed to" depending on the context.

What are some common synonyms for "explained" in the phrase "this could be explained"?

Common synonyms include "clarified", "attributed", "rationalized", or "understood". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "this could be explained" or "this is explained"?

"This could be explained" suggests a possibility or potential explanation, while "this is explained" implies that an explanation is definitively available or has already been provided. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the certainty of the explanation.