to provide an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"to provide an explanation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to describe the action of giving or offering an explanation or clarification for something. Example: "The teacher asked the students to provide an explanation for their incorrect answers on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't expect Barry Bonds to provide an explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

The military declined to provide an explanation for the charges.

The New York Times

The Libyan government has contacted US authorities to ask them to provide an explanation".

The Guardian

Timor-Leste says Australia has failed to provide an explanation for the allegations.

The Guardian

It seems unlikely, but since the government declines to provide an explanation, it cannot be discounted.

The Guardian

He said the Agriculture Department statisticians were unable to provide an explanation for the disparity.

The New York Times

So far officials have declined to provide an explanation for his absences.

The New York Times

It went on: "Therefore the Festival asked him to provide an explanation for his comments.

Independent

The present experiments were designed to provide an explanation for these findings.

Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

The court also said that all rejections, even by elected officials, had to provide an explanation of the decisions.

The New York Times

Today, the Korean Stock Exchange halted trading and ordered the company to provide an explanation on Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In less formal settings, simpler alternatives like "to explain" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to provide an explanation" in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "to explain" or "to clarify" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to provide an explanation" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or as an adverbial modifier indicating purpose. It introduces the reason or justification for an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to provide an explanation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase that functions to introduce a reason or clarification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As showcased by Ludwig, it is particularly frequent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives like "to explain" or "to clarify" are more fitting. Remember that the phrase requires the article "an" before "explanation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to account for

Highlights the act of explaining the cause or reason for something.

to give a reason

Focuses on the justification aspect rather than the detailed explanation.

to clarify the reasons

Emphasizes the act of making the underlying reasons more understandable.

to offer clarification

Emphasizes making something clearer, rather than giving a full account.

to expound upon

Implies a more elaborate and detailed explanation.

to present an account

Implies a structured and detailed explanation, often of events.

to elucidate

Focuses on making something easier to understand, often complex matters.

to offer insight

Suggests providing a deeper understanding, not necessarily a complete explanation.

to rationalize

Suggests finding a logical reason, sometimes to justify an action.

to furnish details

Highlights the supplying of specific information, often supporting an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "to provide an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "to provide an explanation" when you want to describe the act of giving a reason or clarification for something. For example, "The company was asked "to provide an explanation" for the sudden drop in sales."

What's a simpler way to say "to provide an explanation"?

Alternatives include "to explain", "to clarify", or "to give reasons", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to provide an explanation"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, such as academic papers, official reports, and professional communications, where a detailed account is necessary. In informal situations, use a simpler phrasing.

Is "to provide explanation" grammatically correct without the 'an'?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The phrase requires the article "an" before "explanation" because "explanation" starts with a vowel sound. The correct phrase is "to provide an explanation".