I just explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I just explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something you have recently clarified or described to someone. Example: "As I mentioned earlier, I just explained the new policy during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I'm a friend, as I just explained," I said quickly.

The New Yorker

But as I just explained to James Fallows at The Atlantic, there is simply no question.

The New York Times

"I just explained I thought I should be playing," Agbayani said"...

The New York Times - Sports

Now, bracket the fact that, as I just explained, I don't myself find the argument from recollection persuasive.

Yale University

"I just explained to him that he's pitching Monday, and we'll take a look at it after Monday," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just explained to her that I didn't know what to charge," said Linda Farneth, the cashier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I knew I'd forgotten something". But I just explain that, for me, bare feet are happy and comfortable feet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm not saying I am a better parent than anyone else, I just explain how I go about things and how I bring up my children.

Independent

"If I'm talking to you and there's something I don't know how to say, I just explain it.

The Guardian

During interactive recitals, I use musical terms, but I just explain what they mean.

Science Magazine

"I just explain it like this: I was 21 when the show came out.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I just explained" to smoothly transition back to a topic you've recently covered, ensuring your audience recalls the information without feeling patronized. This is especially effective in presentations or discussions where clarity and continuity are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "I just explained" excessively, as it can come across as repetitive or condescending. Instead, vary your language with phrases like "as previously mentioned" or "to reiterate" to maintain a more engaging and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I just explained" functions as a discourse marker or meta-commentary. According to Ludwig AI, it signals to the listener or reader that the speaker/writer is referring back to information that was recently provided. It serves to remind, emphasize, or provide context for the current statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I just explained" is a versatile phrase used to refer back to information recently provided. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical function involves acting as a discourse marker that links current statements to prior explanations, ensuring clarity and coherence in communication. It's commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overusing the phrase, instead consider alternatives like "as previously mentioned". It maintains a neutral register and proves to be a valuable tool for effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I already clarified

Emphasizes that the explanation has been previously made, focusing on the act of clarification.

That's what I just said

Highlights that the current statement is a direct repetition of a recent one.

I clarified earlier

A more concise way of saying that a clarification was previously given.

I previously outlined

Highlights that a structured overview was given before.

I recently covered this

Emphasizes the recency and scope of the previous explanation.

I have already detailed

Focuses on the thoroughness of the earlier explanation.

I just went through this

Indicates that the topic has recently been discussed in detail.

As I mentioned before

Draws attention to a prior statement without necessarily implying a full explanation.

I laid it out already

Implies the information was presented clearly and systematically.

I've already gone over this

Suggests a comprehensive review was conducted earlier.

FAQs

How can I use "I just explained" in a sentence?

You can use "I just explained" to refer back to something you recently clarified. For example, "I just explained the new policy during the meeting, so everyone should be aware of the changes."

What can I say instead of "I just explained"?

You can use alternatives like "I already clarified", "as I mentioned before", or "I previously outlined depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I just explained"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "I just explained". It's a common way to refer back to something you've recently discussed.

What's the difference between "I just explained" and "I already explained"?

"I just explained" refers to something you clarified very recently, while "I already explained" suggests that the explanation occurred at some earlier point, though not necessarily distant. The choice depends on the context and the timing of your previous explanation.