what explains

USAGE SUMMARY

"what explains" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when asking for an explanation or reason for something. Example 1: "What explains the sudden increase in crime rates in our city?" Example 2: "I can't understand why she would do that. What explains her behavior?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What explains this disconnect?

The Economist

What explains the shift?

The New Yorker

What explains his longevity?

The New Yorker

What explains the discourtesy?

The Economist

What explains this inertia?

The New York Times

What explains her?

The New Yorker

So what explains it?

The Economist

What explains his campaign?

The Economist

What explains their superiority?

The New Yorker

What explains the discrepancy?

The Economist

What explains his form?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what explains", ensure that the subject of your inquiry is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "What explains?", specify "What explains the recent market volatility?".

Common error

Avoid using "what explains" in contexts where a simpler question like "why" would suffice. Using "what explains" for very straightforward questions can sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what explains" functions as an interrogative expression used to solicit explanations or reasons for a particular phenomenon, event, or situation. It prompts a detailed account of the underlying causes or contributing factors. As shown by Ludwig, it is a common way to seek clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what explains" is a common and grammatically sound way to inquire about the causes or reasons behind a phenomenon. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its presence across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, underscores its versatility and relevance. While alternatives like "what accounts for" or "why is it" exist, "what explains" is best suited for situations requiring a detailed and analytical explanation. When deploying it, ensure clarity in the subject matter to avoid ambiguity, and avoid using it where simpler questions suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what accounts for

Focuses on identifying the underlying reasons or factors contributing to a particular outcome.

what is the reason for

Directly asks for the cause or justification behind a specific event or situation.

what is the explanation for

Seeks a detailed account that clarifies the causes or circumstances of something.

why is it that

Inquires about the reasons or motives behind a certain phenomenon or behavior.

what are the causes of

Specifically looks for the factors that led to a particular result or situation.

what factors contribute to

Asks for an identification of the elements that play a role in producing a certain outcome.

how can we understand

Seeks a comprehensive grasp or interpretation of a situation or event.

what's the rationale behind

Explores the logical or philosophical basis underlying a decision or action.

what's the story behind

Invites a narrative account that provides context and understanding.

can you shed light on

Requests clarification or insights into a complex or obscure issue.

FAQs

How do I use "what explains" in a sentence?

Use "what explains" to inquire about the reasons or causes behind a phenomenon. For instance, "What explains the sudden increase in sales this quarter?" or "What explains the discrepancy between the two reports?"

What can I say instead of "what explains"?

You can use alternatives like "what accounts for", "what is the reason for", or simply "why is it" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "what explains" or "why does"?

While both are grammatically correct, "what explains" is often used when seeking a more detailed or complex explanation, whereas "why does" is generally used for simpler inquiries. The choice depends on the level of detail you're seeking.

What's the difference between "what explains" and "how can we understand"?

"What explains" seeks to identify the direct causes or reasons for something. "How can we understand" invites a broader interpretation or perspective on the subject. For example, "What explains the drop in test scores?" versus "How can we understand the current educational challenges?"