I explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that you are providing an explanation or clarifying something. Example: "In this report, I explain the key findings of our research and their implications for future studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I explain.

Independent

"I explain my programs.

The New York Times

Can I explain that?

The New York Times

I explain the occasion.

The New Yorker

"I explain the benefits.

The Guardian

Must I explain?

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I explained.

The New Yorker

"Eurovision," I explained.

The New Yorker

I explained and apologized.

The New York Times

In Roussillon, I explained.

The New York Times

"No," I explained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I explain" to introduce a clarification, justification, or detailed account, ensuring the explanation directly addresses the preceding statement or question.

Common error

Don't use "I explain" without providing a clear and direct explanation. Vague references diminish the effectiveness of the phrase and can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I explain" is to introduce a clarification, elaboration, or justification. It signals to the reader or listener that the speaker is about to provide further details or reasoning to support a previous statement, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I explain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce a clarification, elaboration, or justification, and it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic, and business settings. The most authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, commonly employ this phrase. For alternative expressions, consider using "I clarify", "I elucidate", or "I describe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I clarify

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand.

I elucidate

Implies a more thorough and detailed explanation.

I detail

Emphasizes providing specific information.

I describe

Focuses on giving an account of something.

I outline

Suggests a summary or overview of the explanation.

I specify

Highlights the act of stating something precisely.

I illustrate

Involves providing examples to make the explanation clearer.

I rationalize

Focuses on providing logical reasons or justifications.

I interpret

Implies providing an understanding or meaning of something.

I mentioned

Indicates a brief or passing reference to the explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "I explain" to introduce a clarification or detailed account, ensuring the explanation directly addresses the preceding statement or question. For example, "I received a strange email, and "I explain" the situation to my manager immediately".

What are some alternatives to "I explain"?

You can use alternatives like "I clarify", "I elucidate", or "I describe" depending on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I explain" in formal writing?

Yes, "I explain" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when providing necessary clarifications or elaborating on a point. However, ensure the explanation is concise and relevant.

What's the difference between "I explain" and "I am explaining"?

"I explain" is a simple present tense, used for general statements or habitual actions. "I am explaining" is present continuous, used for actions happening now. For instance, "I explain the rules every time" vs. "I am explaining the rules now".