what is the explanation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is the explanation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking clarification or reasoning behind a particular situation or concept. Example: "What is the explanation for the sudden change in weather patterns this season?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 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

So, what is the explanation for such huge investments?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the explanation for this deadly, dreary sameness?

The Guardian - Film

And what is the explanation for the link with other allergic diseases like eczema?

Independent

What is the explanation for this recent intensification of Isis suicide bombings outside Syria and Iraq?

Independent

-Darwinism proponent: What is the explanation for the evolution of the protein penicillinase?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

We aimed to explore the narratives of the personal lives and health of individuals using the following key research questions: 1. what are the explanations used for mental distress in Zambia? 2. Are the explanatory models used by people attending primary health care clinics consistent with those of health professionals working in these institutions?

BMC Health Services Research

So what is the real explanation for the power grab?

The Economist

What is the scientific explanation for blobs that washed up on beaches around the world?

The New York Times

"What is the weirdest explanation for a football team's suffix?" Send your questions and answers to [email protected].

The Guardian - Sport

What is the scientific explanation for why THC addicts might not experience any of the "harsh physical withdrawal symptoms seen in the alcoholic or heroin user who goes cold turkey"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "what is the explanation for", ensure that the context clearly indicates the phenomenon or situation you are seeking an explanation for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what is the explanation for" in situations where a simpler question like "why?" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is the explanation for" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit a detailed account or reason for a specific phenomenon or situation. It prompts a deeper exploration of underlying causes, motivations, or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the query phrase "what is the explanation for" serves as a grammatically sound and frequently employed method for requesting a detailed reasoning or cause behind a phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase encourages in-depth analyses and clarifications, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. For scenarios demanding simplicity, alternatives like "what accounts for" or "what's the reason" can be used. To ensure precision, always provide a clearly defined subject when using the phrase. Overall, "what is the explanation for" is a valuable tool for anyone seeking comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the reason for

A more direct and common way to ask for the cause of something.

what explains

A more concise alternative, focusing directly on the act of explaining.

what accounts for

Emphasizes the factors that contribute to a particular outcome or situation.

what's the rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical basis or justification for something.

why is it that

Focuses on the cause or purpose behind a specific action or event. Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the reason.

what's the cause of

Directly seeks the origin or source of a particular phenomenon.

what is the basis for

Emphasizes the underlying principles or foundation supporting something.

how do you explain

Shifts the focus to the act of providing an explanation, often seeking a personal perspective.

what are the origins of

Focuses on the historical or developmental roots of something.

what led to

Highlights the events or circumstances that preceded and influenced a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "what is the explanation for" in a sentence?

You can use "what is the explanation for" to inquire about the reasons behind a particular event or phenomenon. For example, "What is the explanation for the sudden increase in inflation rates?"

What are some alternatives to "what is the explanation for"?

Alternatives include "what accounts for", "what is the reason for", or simply "why is this so", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "what is the explanation for" and "what is the reason for"?

While similar, "what is the explanation for" often implies a more detailed or complex reasoning than "what is the reason for", which can be more straightforward. The choice depends on the depth of understanding you're seeking.

When is it appropriate to use "what is the explanation for" over a simpler question like "why"?

Use "what is the explanation for" when you anticipate a complex or multifaceted answer that requires more than a simple cause-and-effect response. This is especially suitable in academic or scientific contexts.