Explain this to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Explain this 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 specific topic or concept. Example: "I'm having trouble understanding the new policy. Can you please explain this to me?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Explain this to me, chaps: what's so scary about a clever woman?

The Times

Explain this to me, and you win my eternal respect for a month.

TechCrunch

Explain this to me.

Vice

Can anyone explain this to me?

University of California, Berkeley

Can anyone please explain this to me?

The New Yorker

Can you explain this to me?' That is just incredibly difficult to do.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

One boy explained this to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

My mum's explained this to me; she's a psychologist.

Independent

He explained this to me in some detail, and I was bored.

The New Yorker

She explained this to me while sitting in the gallery's sprawling communal kitchen.

The New York Times

She explained this to me with a story from her second trip to Iran, in December 1999.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, be specific about what you don't understand. This helps the other person provide a focused and helpful explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "explain this to me" repeatedly in formal writing. Instead, try more sophisticated alternatives like "Could you elaborate on..." or "I would appreciate further clarification regarding..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain this to me" functions as an imperative request for clarification or simplification. It directly asks the listener or reader to provide an explanation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain this to me" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to request clarification or simplification. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While generally acceptable, it’s important to consider the context and audience. In more formal settings, alternatives like "Could you clarify this for me?" might be more appropriate. Conversely, in casual situations, "Can you break this down for me?" could be used. Overall, "explain this to me" is a versatile phrase that serves the purpose of seeking better understanding. According to Ludwig, the phrase is indeed appropriate and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you clarify this for me?

A more formal way of asking for clarification.

Can you break this down for me?

Implies simplifying a complex topic.

Can you put it in layman's terms?

Asks for a simplified explanation avoiding technical jargon.

I don't understand; can you elaborate?

More polite and formal way to ask for more details.

What does this mean?

A direct and simple way to ask for the meaning.

Can you explain it differently?

Asks for a different perspective or approach to the explanation.

I'm not following; can you explain?

Indicates confusion and requests clarification.

What's the explanation for this?

Seeks the reason or justification behind something.

Tell me more about this.

Requests further information on a topic.

Walk me through this.

Implies a step-by-step explanation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "Explain this to me" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "Could you clarify this for me?", "I would appreciate further clarification on this matter", or "Could you elaborate on this point?"

What's a more casual alternative to "Explain this to me"?

For a more casual tone, consider saying "Can you break this down for me?", "What's this all about?", or "Can you put it in layman's terms?"

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

"Explain this to me" is suitable in informal and semi-formal situations when you need someone to clarify something you don't understand. It is appropriate in conversations with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances.

Is it ever rude to say "Explain this to me"?

While generally acceptable, the tone and context matter. Saying it impatiently or dismissively might be perceived as rude. Ensure your tone is polite and genuinely inquisitive. Try to use "could you clarify this for me" if you want to be more polite.