I'll explain later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'll explain later" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when you intend to provide more information at a later time, and is often used informally. For example: I understand that you have some questions; I'll explain later when we have more time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

(I'll explain later).

The New York Times - Books

(I'll explain later why that word has such deep significance for me).

The New York Times

As I'll explain later, it will probably hurt Republicans for years to come.

The New York Times

I'll explain later why I think that Christie is a more plausible nominee and president than Ryan.

The New York Times

I wish I could say I can't imagine what that is like, but unfortunately, as I'll explain later, I can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a confirmed Boglehead (I'll explain later), my heart starts beating like a rabbit if I even think about buying a stock the first day it hits the open market.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(Completely true, as I will explain later).

The New York Times - Tech

(Completely true, as I will explain later). But I digress.

The New York Times - Tech

(I use "cougar" for brevity: as I will explain later, it's a horrible term).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think that is a likely fantasy too, as I will explain later.

The Guardian

The concepts of moral rights, as I will explain later, are inapplicable to the facts of this case.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll explain later" to create anticipation and maintain the reader's or listener's interest. This works best when the delayed explanation is crucial or intriguing.

Common error

Avoid using "I'll explain later" excessively in a single piece of writing or conversation. Overuse can frustrate the audience and make your communication seem disorganized or unclear. Prioritize providing explanations when they are most relevant.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I'll explain later" is to serve as a discourse marker. It signals the speaker's intention to defer an explanation, promising further clarification at a later point. Ludwig examples show its use in news, academic, and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I'll explain later" is a grammatically sound and frequently used discourse marker to indicate that an explanation will be provided at a subsequent time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and showcases its usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, academia, and science. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid frustrating your audience. Alternatives such as "I will clarify this afterward" or "I'll elaborate on this shortly" can offer nuanced ways to convey the same intent, depending on the formality and context required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll elaborate on this shortly

This phrase suggests that the explanation will be provided soon, emphasizing the immediacy more than "later".

I plan to explain that further

It express future intention, the nuance being that the explication is somehow pre-meditated.

I will clarify this afterward

This alternative uses a more formal tone by employing "will clarify" instead of "I'll explain" and "afterward" in place of "later".

The explanation will follow

A more concise and somewhat formal way of indicating that an explanation is forthcoming, removing the personal pronoun.

I'll touch on that later

This alternative suggests a brief mention or discussion, rather than a comprehensive explanation.

I'll provide further details in due course

The term "in due course" suggests that the explanation will be given when appropriate or convenient, rather than immediately.

More details will be provided subsequently

This is a formal and passive construction, suitable for professional or academic settings. It emphasizes the provision of details rather than a simple explanation.

That will be explained further down

A passive construction that indicates the explanation is available further on in the context, commonly used in written documents.

I'll get back to that

A more casual and conversational alternative, implying a return to the topic at hand.

We'll circle back to this point

Typically used in business settings, this indicates a return to a specific topic or point in a discussion.

FAQs

What does "I'll explain later" mean?

The phrase "I'll explain later" means that the speaker or writer intends to provide an explanation or further details at a subsequent time.

When is it appropriate to use "I'll explain later"?

It's appropriate to use "I'll explain later" when you want to defer an explanation to avoid interrupting the current flow of conversation or writing, or when you need more time to gather or present the information effectively.

What are some alternatives to "I'll explain later"?

You can use alternatives like "I will clarify this afterward", "I'll elaborate on this shortly", or "the explanation will follow", depending on the context and level of formality.

How can I use "I'll explain later" effectively in writing?

To use "I'll explain later" effectively in writing, ensure that you actually provide the promised explanation at the appropriate time. Use it sparingly to maintain reader engagement without causing frustration. For example, "The reasons for this decision are complex; "I'll explain later" in the next section".