whatever the explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever the explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that the specific reason or justification is not important or relevant to the discussion at hand. Example: "I will support your decision, whatever the explanation may be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Whatever the explanation, the implications are striking.

The New York Times

Whatever the explanation, it's a discomforting result.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever the explanation, it's plumb loco.

The New York Times

Whatever the explanation, Amazon's announcement was good news for publishers.

The New Yorker

Whatever the explanation, the costs are potentially huge.

The Economist

Whatever the explanation, it was soon enough inoperative.

The New York Times

"Whatever the explanation," she added, "it's all very comforting.

The New York Times

Whatever the explanation, it was making the instructors crazy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever the explanation, their water consumption has a deleterious impact.

The Guardian

Whatever the explanation, they were last in the West.

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever the explanation, it turned out to be an impressive, mature claret.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whatever the explanation", ensure the subsequent clause focuses on the result or impact, maintaining a clear and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever the explanation" as a mere filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely contributes to the sentence by introducing a relevant consequence or implication, rather than just stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever the explanation" functions as a conjunctive phrase. It introduces a statement that remains true regardless of the underlying explanation, effectively shifting the focus to the consequences or implications, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever the explanation" is a versatile phrase used to shift focus from the cause of a situation to its implications or consequences. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using it, ensure that the subsequent clause maintains a clear and logical connection, focusing on the result or impact. Avoid using the phrase as mere filler; it should genuinely contribute to the sentence's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the reason

Emphasizes a lack of concern for the specific cause.

whatever the reason may be

Adds emphasis to the irrelevance of the reason.

no matter the justification

Highlights that the validity of the reason is unimportant.

irrespective of the cause

Indicates that the outcome remains the same despite the underlying cause.

despite the rationale

Focuses on disregarding the logical basis behind something.

notwithstanding the details

Implies that specific information does not change the overall situation.

by any account

Highlights consideration in any way possible, despite the true explanation.

however it may be explained

Focuses on the outcome without dwelling on the explanation.

for all we know

This implies the lack of precise information regarding something

the reason being what it is

Stresses the acceptance of the reason without further investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever the explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "whatever the explanation" to introduce a result or consequence when the exact reason is not known or relevant. For example, "Whatever the explanation, the costs are potentially huge."

What are some alternatives to "whatever the explanation"?

Some alternatives include "regardless of the reason", "no matter the justification", or "irrespective of the cause". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "whatever the explanation" formal or informal?

"Whatever the explanation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing or speech.

What's the difference between "whatever the explanation" and "whatever the reason"?

While similar, "whatever the explanation" implies a deeper analysis or understanding, whereas "whatever the reason" is a more general statement. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a formal analysis or a simple justification.