Explanation

hear explanation

I heard you coming in at five o'clock this morning. You said you would be home by midnight. I'm waiting to hear your explanation.

give clear explanation

The instructor gave us a very clear explanation of how the machine worked. It was very easy to follow.

owe explanation

This is the second time you've failed to attend the meeting. I think you owe us all an explanation.

demand explanation

No wonder you're angry! If Gwen was paid to produce the report by last Friday, I think you can demand an explanation from her as to why nothing has appeared.

defy explanation

Nobody can understand why the Prime Minister has given the job to one of his best friends. It's a strange decision that defies explanation.

think of explanation

I can't think of an explanation for Pete's bad behaviour. He's usually so well-behaved.

detailed explanation

I'm sorry I'm late. The manager insisted on going into a very detailed explanation of every aspect of the job and I just couldn't get away.

the most likely explanation

the most likely explanation for Steve's absence is that his plane has been delayed. > Yes, I can't think of any other possible explanation.

demand immediate explanation

When I caught my oldest son trying on my best dress, I demanded an immediate explanation! He said he was going to a fancy-dress party!

apparent explanation

There seems to be no apparent explanation for the attack. It's beginning to look like an act of mindless violence.

convincing explanation

That's not a very convincing explanation. I'll believe you, but thousands wouldn't!

logical explanation

Our dog has been acting strangely lately, but there's probably some perfectly logical explanation for its odd behaviour.

leave without a word of explanation

His first wife just left without a word of explanation. One day she was there; the next she had gone!

by way of  explanation

I told the policeman - by way of  explanation - that I hadn't seen the speed limit sign. He just laughed and booked me!

sort of explanation

There must be some sort of explanation for John's sudden resignation. It's just come out of the blue!

give quick explanation

Can you just give us a quick explanation of how the system works?

possible explanations

There are lots of possible explanations why girls do better at school than boys.

official explanation

The official explanation for the crash blames the driver of the London-bound train.

only explanation

The only explanation I can think of is that he's lost his memory.

accept explanation

The generally accepted explanation of the disaster is human error.

 

Notes

• Note the different verbs:

He didn't offer any explanation for his late arrival. The director went into a long explanation. Nobody could come up with an explanation.

• Note this expression:

He gave no explanation as to why he wasn't there.

If an explanation is 'far-fetched' or 'not very plausible',

it is difficult to believe.