valid explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"valid explanation" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "She offered a valid explanation for her poor test score: she had been sick for the past week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lack of notice was not considered a valid explanation.

The New York Times

"[Presenters] always need to be given a valid explanation as to why [they're] moving on.

The Guardian

"Democrats certainly have a perfectly valid explanation, but I am not sure people understand it," she said.

The New York Times

That's an often valid explanation -- unlike, say, "My neighbor's kid is such a showoff -- and brings insight into human nature.

The New York Times

"There may be a valid explanation for increasing their payments, but I haven't seen it yet," Mr. Hevesi said.

The New York Times

Our results support the assumption that anchoring remains a valid explanation for systematically biased decisions within market contexts.

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics

If God is indeed more complex and improbable than his creation, does that rule him out as a valid explanation for the universe?

The New York Times - Books

And I hope that you have a valid explanation for them as to why you cut me out of their lives so unnecessarily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A more unusual, though equally valid, explanation was that something about the situation was important — maybe the skateboard was safer than the scooter.

The New York Times

Octet expansion is a rule of thumb, a correlation of an observation with the presence of available d orbitals, and not a valid explanation.

Britannica

Mr Davis considered the matter closed after "the MP provided a valid explanation for why two separate hotels were claimed inadvertently for the same night and... repaid".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context in which you are providing a "valid explanation"; adjust the level of detail and technicality to suit your audience's understanding and expectations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "valid explanation" without providing the actual explanation or the reasoning behind its validity. Always support your claim with evidence or logical arguments to ensure transparency and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valid explanation" functions as a noun phrase where "valid" modifies "explanation". It is typically used to introduce or refer to a justification or reason that is considered acceptable and logically sound. Ludwig shows its wide adoption in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valid explanation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce reasons or justifications that are acceptable and logically sound. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the explanation is supported by evidence and tailored to the audience's understanding. Avoid overusing the phrase without providing the actual explanation or reasoning. Alternatives like "sound justification" or "legitimate reason" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound justification

Emphasizes the logical strength and reasonableness of the explanation.

legitimate reason

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason provided.

plausible rationale

Highlights the believability and seeming truthfulness of the reasoning.

acceptable account

Stresses the satisfactoriness and permissibility of the explanation.

justifiable cause

Underlines the defensibility and rightness of the reason.

cogent defense

Emphasizes the clarity and persuasiveness of the reason.

convincing story

Highlights the believability of the explanation as a narrative.

reasonable grounds

Focuses on the fairness and rationality behind the reasoning.

satisfactory response

Stresses the adequacy of the answer in meeting expectations.

tenable argument

Highlights the ability of the argument to be defended successfully.

FAQs

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

You can use "valid explanation" to introduce a reason or justification that is sound and acceptable, such as: "The expert provided a "valid explanation" for the unexpected results."

What are some alternatives to "valid explanation"?

Alternatives include "sound justification", "legitimate reason", or "plausible rationale", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes an explanation "valid"?

A "valid" explanation is one that is logically sound, supported by evidence, and generally accepted as reasonable within a given context. It should address the question or issue at hand in a satisfactory manner.

Is there a difference between a "valid explanation" and a "good explanation"?

While both terms suggest a satisfactory account, a "valid explanation" focuses on the logical correctness and factual accuracy of the reason, whereas a "good explanation" might also consider clarity, completeness, and ease of understanding.