Could you explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Could you explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting clarification or further information about a topic or concept. Example: "Could you explain how this process works in more detail?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Could you explain?

Independent

Could you explain this idea?

Independent

Could you explain all of this?

The New Yorker

Could you explain this clearly?

The New York Times

Could you explain the circumstances?

The New Yorker

Could you explain them a bit here?

The New Yorker

Could you explain it?" Levitt was stymied.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could you explain how your score choice programs work?

The New York Times

Could you explain why you find them so interesting?

The Guardian - Film

Could you explain the evolution of Nabokov's feelings about the covers?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You reference a "technology for peace" that's more powerful than weaponry--could you explain?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Could you explain", be specific about what you need clarified. This helps the other person provide a focused and helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using "Could you explain" repeatedly without specifying what needs clarification. Too many general requests can be unclear and frustrating for the listener or reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Could you explain" serves as an interrogative expression, specifically used to request someone to provide a detailed account or clarification of a particular subject. Ludwig examples show this phrase functioning as a polite request for explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Could you explain" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for requesting clarification or detailed information. As noted by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase serves the primary function of eliciting information and is generally neutral to professional in register. While ubiquitous, ensure you are specific about the subject requiring explanation to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "Can you clarify" or "Would you mind explaining" offer similar ways to seek further details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you elaborate

This alternative directly asks for more details or a more thorough explanation.

Can you clarify

This option seeks to make something clearer or less ambiguous.

Would you mind explaining

This is a more polite way to ask for an explanation.

Could you give more detail

This requests additional specific information.

Can you break it down for me

This option asks for a simplified explanation, often used when the topic is complex.

Explain it to me like I'm five

This requests a very basic and easy-to-understand explanation.

What does that mean

This is a direct question asking for the meaning of something.

What is the meaning of that

Similar to the previous one, but slightly more formal.

Can you walk me through it

This asks for a step-by-step explanation of a process or concept.

Could you run that by me again

This suggests that the speaker didn't understand the first explanation and needs it repeated.

FAQs

How can I use "Could you explain" in a sentence?

You can use "Could you explain" to request clarification or further information about a topic. For example, "Could you explain the difference between these two concepts?"

What are some alternatives to "Could you explain"?

Alternatives include "Can you clarify", "Would you mind explaining", or "Can you elaborate" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to use "Could you explain" or "Can you explain"?

"Could you explain" is generally considered more polite than "Can you explain". Both are grammatically correct, but "could" adds a touch of formality and consideration.

How can I make my request clearer when using "Could you explain"?

Be specific in your request. Instead of saying "Could you explain?", try "Could you explain this concept further?" or "Could you explain the process in more detail?"