Explain it to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Explain it to me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to clarify or provide more information about a topic or concept that you do not understand. Example: "I didn't quite grasp the concept during the lecture. Can you explain it to me?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Explain it to me".

The New Yorker

"Explain it to me one more time," W. said.

The New Yorker

"Explain it to me," Obama said, Reid recalled.

The Washington Post

Explain it to me so I don't make the same mistake twice".

The New York Times - Magazine

Explain it to me, because my name is Raffaele Sollecito and not Amanda Marie Knox".

The Guardian

"You explain it to me," he said.

The New York Times

But don't explain it to me again.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe someone can explain it to me.

The New York Times

I wonder if you could explain it to me".

The New Yorker

"You don't have to explain it to me".

The New Yorker

"I had to have Andrew explain it to me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify what 'it' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "Explain it to me", say "Explain the concept to me" or "Explain the process to me".

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "Explain it to me" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "Could you please clarify..." or "I would appreciate a more detailed explanation of...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Explain it to me" functions as an imperative request. It directly asks someone to provide clarification or further information on a specific topic. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is widely used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Explain it to me" is a common and grammatically sound way to request clarification or further explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, its formality should be adjusted based on the setting, with more sophisticated alternatives available for professional or scientific communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. Remember, while broadly applicable, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives such as "Could you please clarify...?"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you clarify this for me?

Focuses on clarifying a specific point rather than a general explanation.

Could you elaborate on that?

Requests more detail about something already mentioned.

Please break it down for me.

Asks for a simplified explanation, often of a complex topic.

Walk me through it.

Requests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

I need a better understanding of this.

Expresses a need for comprehension, prompting an explanation.

Give me the rundown.

Requests a quick summary or explanation.

What's the meaning of this?

Focuses on understanding the significance or purpose.

I don't understand; can you rephrase?

Requests the information to be presented in a different way.

Tell me more about it.

Implies interest and prompts a more detailed explanation.

Enlighten me.

A more formal or humorous way of asking for an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "Explain it to me" in a sentence?

You can use "Explain it to me" when you want someone to clarify something you don't understand. For example, "I'm confused about this concept; can you "explain it to me"?"

What are some alternatives to "Explain it to me"?

Alternatives include "clarify this for me", "elaborate on that", or "break it down for me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "Explain me" instead of "Explain it to me"?

No, "Explain me" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "Explain it to me", where "it" refers to the subject needing explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "Explain it to me"?

It's appropriate in most situations where you need clarification. However, in very formal settings, consider using a more polished phrase like "Could you please provide further clarification?"