Let me explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let me explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide additional information about a topic or situation. Example: "Let me explain why this decision was made and how it will benefit the team moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Let me explain something.

The New Yorker

"Let me explain again.

The Guardian

Let me explain this.

The New York Times

Let me explain the difference.

The New York Times - Arts

Let me explain our process.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Let me explain what happened".

The New York Times

Let me explain how that came about.

The New York Times

Let me explain what we are doing".

The New York Times

"Let me explain something," he said.

The New York Times

"Let me explain something to you, Crystal.

The New Yorker

"Let me explain the difference," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Let me explain", be direct and concise in your explanation. Avoid jargon or complex language that could confuse the listener or reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "Let me explain". This can make your writing or speech sound repetitive and condescending. Instead, try incorporating other transition phrases or rephrasing your sentences for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let me explain" serves as a discourse marker. It introduces an explanation or clarification, signaling the speaker's intention to provide further details or reasons. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to guide the listener or reader towards a better understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let me explain" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce clarifications or provide additional context. It's most frequently found in News & Media, showcasing its wide applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous real-world examples. To avoid repetition in writing, consider using alternatives like "allow me to clarify" or "permit me to elaborate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow me to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer.

Permit me to elaborate

Suggests adding more detail to a previous statement.

Allow me to elaborate on that

Specifically targets expanding on a previously mentioned topic.

Let me rephrase that

Implies restating something in a different way for better understanding.

Let me put it another way

Indicates an attempt to clarify through an alternative expression.

What I mean to say is

Highlights the speaker's intended meaning.

To clarify my point

Introduces a restatement aimed at making the speaker's argument clearer.

To put it differently

Signals a rephrasing for clarity.

In other words

Offers a simpler or more direct restatement.

Let me reword that

Suggests restating something to improve its clarity or impact.

FAQs

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

"Let me explain" is typically used to introduce a clarification or further detail on a subject. For example, you might say, "I know this is a complicated topic, so "let me explain" it step by step".

What are some alternatives to using "Let me explain"?

You can use alternatives like "allow me to clarify", "permit me to elaborate", or "let me put it another way" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Let me explain"?

It's appropriate to use "Let me explain" when you sense confusion or a lack of understanding from your audience, or when you want to provide additional context or justification for a statement.

What's the difference between "Let me explain" and "Let me clarify"?

"Let me explain" generally introduces a more detailed account or reason, while "Let me clarify" focuses on making something already stated more understandable by removing ambiguity.