what is the explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is the explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for clarification or details about a specific topic or situation. Example: "I don't understand the concept. Can you tell me what is the explanation for this theory?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

5) Figure 2: What is the explanation for the decrease in I/Imax for ANO1 vs. the increase in ANO6? 6) In the subsection headed "Is ANO1 a broken transporter?": The Saccharomyces TMEM16 homolog has no detectable function; it does not transport ions or scramble lipids as per Malvezzi et al. (2013) and acts as a linker between the ER and PM (Manford et al. Dev Cell 2012).

eLife

What is the explanation?

The New York Times

So what is the explanation?

Independent

What is the explanation of Drood's disappearance?

The Guardian - Books

So, what is the explanation for such huge investments?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the explanation for this deadly, dreary sameness?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

At first Mr. Kerrey fell back on what had been the explanation offered by Mr. Bradley's aides: that he was uncomfortable with such politics.

The New York Times

So what was the explanation?

Independent

And what are the explanations we're finally going to get?" Of course, fans are still waiting to find out exactly what happened to Eleven, who disappeared at the end of Season 1.

Huffington Post

But what are the explanations?

European Journal of Public Health

So what is the real explanation for the power grab?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. While generally acceptable, "what is the explanation" can sometimes sound slightly blunt in informal settings. Alternatives like "why" or "what's the reason" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically sound, repeatedly using "what is the explanation" in casual conversation can sound stilted or overly formal. Vary your language with simpler alternatives like "why" or "how come" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is the explanation" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit a detailed account or clarification regarding a specific event, phenomenon, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is the explanation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase to request a detailed account or clarification. According to Ludwig AI, its usability in written English is confirmed. It functions to seek understanding and reduce uncertainty across various contexts, from news and scientific publications to formal business settings. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral register, you can consider simpler alternatives like "why" or "how come" in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone. Its frequency is common, reflecting its broad applicability in eliciting reasons and mechanisms. Overall, mastering its use ensures clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the reason

Focuses more directly on the cause or motive behind something, rather than a detailed account.

what's the cause

Similar to 'what's the reason' but specifically seeks the initiating factor.

what's the rationale

More formal; inquires about the underlying logic or justification.

why is that

A simpler, more direct way of asking for an explanation.

how do you explain that

Shifts the focus to the person providing the explanation.

what accounts for that

More formal; asks what factor is responsible for a particular outcome.

what's the story behind that

More informal; seeks the narrative or background information.

what are the contributing factors

Focuses on multiple elements that led to a particular result.

can you elucidate that

Highly formal; requests a more detailed and clearer explanation.

what's the basis for that

Asks about the foundation or justification for something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what is the explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "what's the reason", "why is that", or "how do you explain that", depending on the context.

Is "what is the explanation for" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual situations, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "what is the explanation" and "what is the reason"?

While similar, "what is the explanation" tends to seek a more detailed account, whereas "what is the reason" focuses more on the cause or motive.

How to properly use "what is the explanation" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence provides a clear context for what needs explaining. For example, "What is the explanation for the sudden drop in sales?"