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Prepositions with nouns

Which prepositions are used with explanation?

Explanation commonly combines with of, for, and to. Some other combinations are possible only in special contexts.

Quick answer

Common combinations with explanation

Use explanation of to describe what is explained. Use explanation for to give the reason for something. Use explanation to before a person receiving the explanation. Explanation in can refer to language or form. Without explanation is an adverbial phrase, not a fixed combination with the noun.

We need an explanation of the process.
There is no explanation for the delay.
She gave an explanation to the students.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
explanation of + subject

Stating what is explained

Use of to identify the topic or thing being explained.

His explanation of the rules was clear.
2
explanation for + situation

Giving a reason or cause

Use for when talking about the reason behind something.

Do you have an explanation for the error?
3
explanation to + person

Showing who receives the explanation

Use to before the listener or audience.

The manager offered an explanation to the staff.
4
explanation in + language/form

Describing the form of the explanation

Use in for language, style, or medium.

The guide includes an explanation in simple English.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
explanation of
Her explanation of the results was detailed.
Shows the subject being explained.
explanation for
There is no explanation for his behaviour.
Shows the reason or cause.
explanation to
He gave an explanation to the committee.
Shows the person receiving the explanation.
without explanation
She left without explanation.
Adverbial phrase meaning no explanation was given.
explanation in
The book provides an explanation in plain language.
Shows language, form, or medium.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using to instead of of

To does not normally introduce the thing being explained.

✕ an explanation to the problem ✓ an explanation of the problem

Confusing for and of

For gives a reason; of names the topic.

✕ an explanation for the instructions ✓ an explanation of the instructions

Treating without as a fixed complement

Without explanation is a separate phrase meaning no explanation was given.

✕ an explanation without the accident ✓ an explanation for the accident

Using in for causes

In usually describes language or form, not reasons.

✕ an explanation in the delay ✓ an explanation for the delay

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. We need an explanation ___ the missing files.
2. There was no explanation ___ the sudden change.
3. She gave an explanation ___ the new employees.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between explanation of and explanation for?

Explanation of introduces the topic. Explanation for introduces the reason or cause.

Can I use explanation to with people?

Yes. Explanation to someone means the explanation is directed at that person or group.

Is without explanation grammatically connected to explanation?

Without explanation is a separate adverbial phrase meaning no explanation was given.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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