which could explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which could explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are providing an explanation for something. For example, "I heard loud banging noises coming from his apartment, which could explain why he was so exhausted the next day".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cell damage was higher when antimicrobials were combined, which could explain the observed synergistic effects.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Together, they may have a synergistic effect, which could explain the treatment's power.

The New Yorker

Expansion in China is fuelling this demand – which could explain the Chinese influence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pettitte said he was "gassed" in the fifth, which could explain why the changeup stayed high.

The New York Times - Sports

I know about psychology and the environment – things which could explain them.

The Guardian

Reaction mechanisms which could explain the active, passive and transpassive regions observed, are discussed.

Electrochimica Acta

Google may be reassessing the site, which could explain the drop in organic search visits.

The New York Times

Infrastructure and technical upgrades generally cost money, which could explain the international airlines' reluctance to participate.

The Economist

Conversion from Vio to Zea would change various electronic properties of the carotenoids, which could explain the activation of quenching.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Under some circumstances, four is the optimum number, which could explain the frequency of tetrameric enzymes in nature.

Biophysical Journal

The results are discussed in the light of a proposed mechanism which could explain the above mentioned findings.

Journal of Food Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which could explain", ensure the clause it introduces genuinely offers a plausible explanation and isn't merely speculation. Evidence or context should support the explanation.

Common error

Avoid presenting an explanation introduced by "which could explain" as a definitive answer. This phrase indicates a possibility, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which could explain" functions as a relative clause that introduces a possible explanation or reason for a preceding statement or observation. It provides additional information that attempts to clarify or account for something. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests a potential cause-and-effect relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which could explain" serves as a valuable tool for introducing potential explanations or reasons within various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly versatile. Appearing frequently in both scientific and news-related sources, it offers a way to provide insight without stating definitive causality. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the explanation is plausible and supported by available context, avoiding the pitfall of presenting speculation as fact. While numerous alternatives exist, "which could explain" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a robust choice for writers seeking to elucidate possible causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which might clarify

Emphasizes making something clearer, rather than simply providing a reason.

which may elucidate

More formal, suggesting a deeper understanding is provided.

that potentially accounts for

More formal and emphasizes a direct causal relationship.

which could illuminate

Suggests a revealing or insightful explanation.

which offers a rationale for

More formal, emphasizing a reasoned justification.

that provides a possible reason for

More verbose, emphasizing the possibility of the explanation.

that suggests a cause for

Focuses on suggesting a causal link, less definitive.

which hints at an answer to

More tentative, implying an incomplete or indirect explanation.

that sheds light on

Suggests providing new information that makes something easier to understand.

which gives us insight into

Highlights the gaining of understanding or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "which could explain" in a sentence?

Use "which could explain" to introduce a clause that provides a possible reason or cause for something. For example, "The data showed a significant increase in errors, "which could explain" the project's delay".

What's a more formal alternative to "which could explain"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that potentially accounts for" or "which may elucidate" as alternatives.

Is it better to use "which could explain" or "that could explain"?

"Which could explain" is generally used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information, while "that could explain" is used in restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning. The choice depends on whether the explanation is essential or supplementary.

What are some common words to pair with "which could explain"?

Common words paired with "which could explain" include "increase", "decrease", "change", "delay", and "difference", all indicating a situation needing a possible explanation.