this could be the explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be the explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possible reason or justification for something that has occurred or been observed. Example: "After reviewing the data, I believe this could be the explanation for the unexpected results we encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This could be the explanation for the almost sevenfold decrease in the force-dependent rate in the Head1/Neck3 mutant.

Plosone

This could be the explanation for the lower incidence rates seen in this country.

Cancer Medicine

This could be the explanation of persistent behaviour as reported by van Houdenhoven and Hasenbring.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

This could be the explanation for the minor differences between feet with and without neuropathy.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

This could be the explanation for the low concentrations of free act-MMP-3 detected in human serum.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We suppose that this could be the explanation of the fact that atypical microbial infections of digestive tract of MPS patients were usually overlooked to date.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This damage could be the explanation of why the spermatogenesis was not started in all seminiferous tubules, but the activity was limited only in a couple of tubules.

BioMed Research International

This fact could be the explanation for the low Biomphalaria shedding human infective cercariae; for example, in the months in which more Biomphalaria were shedding nonhuman infective cercariae, there were fewer or no Biomphalaria shedding human infective cercariae.

BioMed Research International

The fact that COPD and PE share their cardinal symptom, dyspnoea, could be the explanation for this association.

Insights into Imaging

What could be the explanation for this different effect of sumatriptan in these various animal models of migraine?

The Journal of Headache and Pain

What could be the explanation for this difference?

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could be the explanation", ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "this could be the explanation" as a definitive answer. It suggests a possibility, not a certainty. Use qualifiers like "likely" or "potentially" to maintain appropriate nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could be the explanation" functions as a speculative indicator, suggesting a possible reason or cause for a phenomenon. It introduces a hypothesis rather than stating a fact. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is frequently used to introduce a potential rationale.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this could be the explanation" serves as a versatile tool for proposing a potential cause or reason, without asserting it as definitive truth. As analyzed, the phrase is grammatically correct, commonly used, and particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts. Ludwig's analysis shows that it functions as a speculative indicator, offering a plausible interpretation with a neutral register. While "this could be the explanation" is a strong and usable expression, remember to wield it judiciously, recognizing it signifies a possibility, not an absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might explain it

Uses "might" instead of "could", indicating a slightly lower level of certainty.

this may be the reason

Replaces "could" with "may" and "explanation" with "reason", offering a slightly different word choice with similar meaning.

this offers a possible explanation

Changes the structure to emphasize the offering of an explanation, rather than stating it directly.

a plausible explanation for this is

Shifts the focus to the plausibility of the explanation and inverts the sentence structure.

this potentially explains

Uses "potentially" to highlight the possibility of explanation.

this could account for

Uses "account for" as a synonym for "explain", changing the phrasing slightly.

this provides a possible rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale", implying a more reasoned or logical basis.

the cause of this might be

Focuses on identifying the cause, presenting it as a potential reason.

an interpretation could be that

Suggests a possible interpretation, rather than a direct explanation.

one possible reason is that

Emphasizes that this is only one of several possible reasons.

FAQs

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

You can use "this could be the explanation" to introduce a potential reason for something. For example, "The stock price dropped unexpectedly; this could be the explanation for the investor's concern".

What's a more formal alternative to "this could be the explanation"?

A more formal alternative would be "this may provide a rationale" or "this might account for the observed phenomenon". Alternatives such as "this offers a possible explanation" may also work.

Is it better to say "this could be the explanation" or "this is the explanation"?

"This could be the explanation" indicates a possibility, while "this is the explanation" suggests certainty. Choose the phrasing that aligns with the level of confidence you have in the explanation.

What are some phrases similar in meaning to "this could be the explanation"?

Similar phrases include "this might explain it", "this may be the reason", or "this potentially explains".