In the world of language and grammar, understanding how words function is essential for both writing and communication. Every word we use belongs to a particular category known as a part of speech. One such word that sometimes confuses learners is ‘explicable.’ To truly grasp its role in a sentence, we need to explore its grammatical function, its proper usage, and how it connects to other parts of speech. This topic focuses on the part of speech for ‘explicable’ and offers insights into how it can be used effectively in English.
Definition of ‘Explicable’
The word ‘explicable’ refers to something that can be explained or made clear. It originates from the Latin wordexplicabilis, which means ‘capable of being unfolded.’ It is used to describe events, actions, ideas, or phenomena that are understandable or that can be rationally described.
Examples:
- The sudden drop in temperature is explicable by the change in wind direction.
- Her behavior was strange, but entirely explicable given the circumstances.
Part of Speech of ‘Explicable’
The word ‘explicable’ is anadjective. An adjective is a part of speech that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. Adjectives give more information about the quality, quantity, or identity of something. In this case, ‘explicable’ describes a noun by suggesting that it can be explained.
How to Identify ‘Explicable’ as an Adjective
There are some clear signs that help us identify ‘explicable’ as an adjective:
- It usually comes before a noun, e.g.,an explicable error.
- It can be used with linking verbs like ‘is,’ ‘seems,’ or ‘becomes,’ e.g.,The result is explicable.
- It answers the question: What kind? about the noun it describes.
Sentence Structure with ‘Explicable’
Let’s examine some typical structures where ‘explicable’ functions as an adjective:
- Subject + Linking Verb + Adjective: The decisionis explicable.
- Adjective + Noun: It was anexplicable reactionto the news.
In each of these examples, ‘explicable’ is clearly providing descriptive information about a noun (decision, reaction).
Synonyms and Antonyms
Knowing similar and opposite words helps in expanding vocabulary and understanding context. Since ‘explicable’ is an adjective, its synonyms and antonyms are also adjectives.
Synonyms of ‘Explicable’:
- Understandable
- Comprehensible
- Logical
- Accountable
Antonyms of ‘Explicable’:
- Inexplicable
- Unfathomable
- Mysterious
- Puzzling
Common Mistakes with ‘Explicable’
Because ‘explicable’ is not a commonly used word in everyday speech, English learners may sometimes use it incorrectly. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using it as a verb:
Incorrect: She explicabled the problem.
Correct: She explained the problem. It was explicable.
Explanation: ‘Explicable’ is not a verb. The verb form would be ‘explain.’
Using it as a noun:
Incorrect: That was a great explicable.
Correct: That was a great explanation.
Explanation: The noun form is ‘explanation,’ not ‘explicable.’
Related Words and Forms
Understanding other forms of ‘explicable’ helps to use the word correctly in different grammatical contexts.
Related Forms:
- Noun: Explicability – the quality of being explicable
- Adverb: Explicably – in a manner that can be explained
- Opposite Adjective: Inexplicable – something that cannot be explained
Examples:
- The explicability of the phenomenon made it easier for scientists to replicate.
- She acted explicably given the circumstances.
- His anger was inexplicable to everyone in the room.
Why Knowing the Part of Speech Matters
Understanding the part of speech of any word helps in using it accurately. Since ‘explicable’ is an adjective, it should not be used where a verb, noun, or adverb is required. Accurate usage improves both spoken and written English, making your message clearer and more professional.
Use in Academic and Professional Contexts
‘Explicable’ is more common in formal writing, academic texts, and professional settings. Writers use it when they want to indicate that something has a logical explanation or that something isn’t a mystery.
Examples in Academic Contexts:
- The variation in results is explicable by differences in methodology.
- The social shift is explicable in light of historical events.
Examples in Professional Contexts:
- The client’s reaction was explicable given the delay in service.
- The software error is explicable by examining the server logs.
Tips for Learners
Here are some helpful tips to remember when learning and using the word ‘explicable’:
- Always use ‘explicable’ to describe something that can be explained.
- Pair it with nouns like event, reaction, situation, or behavior.
- Use it in formal writing to make your statements sound more precise.
- Avoid confusing it with the noun ‘explanation’ or the verb ‘explain.’
In summary, ‘explicable’ is an adjective used to describe things that are capable of being explained or made clear. Knowing that it belongs to the adjective category helps speakers and writers use it correctly in a sentence. It plays a specific role by adding clarity to nouns, especially in formal or professional contexts. Whether you are writing an academic essay, a business report, or simply trying to improve your English, understanding the part of speech of words like ‘explicable’ allows for more effective and grammatically accurate communication.