Please explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'Please explain' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to ask for clarification or further explanation on a particular subject or topic. For example, "I noticed a discrepancy in the report. Please explain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please explain it.

The New York Times

"Please explain to me".

The New York Times - Sports

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

Please explain I'm so confused!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Please explain?" They're both boring.

The Guardian - Sport

Please explain: They're handling it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please explain what Larsson does well.

The New York Times

Please explain how this is fair.

Independent

Please explain the exhibit layout.

University of California, Berkeley

Please explain why or why not.

The Washington Post

Please explain we don't have internet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Please explain", be specific about what needs clarification. This helps the other person focus their explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "Please explain" without context. Ensure your audience knows what you're referring to, or they may provide an irrelevant explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please explain" functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to provide an explanation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used for seeking clarification or further details on a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please explain" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for requesting clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it's most often found in News & Media and Scientific sources. For more formal situations, alternatives like "Could you elaborate?" might be preferable. When using "Please explain", specificity is key to receiving a relevant and helpful response. To avoid any potential errors, ensure you include the appropriate context. Overall, it’s a good phrase to use when seeking knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't understand; can you explain

This explicitly states a lack of understanding before requesting an explanation.

Could you elaborate

This alternative is more polite and indirect.

Can you clarify

This alternative is more direct and focuses on clearing up confusion.

Explain further

This is a more concise and direct request for additional explanation.

Walk me through it

This alternative asks for a step-by-step explanation.

Give me more details

This seeks additional specifics rather than a general explanation.

Shed some light on that

This is a more idiomatic way of asking for an explanation to make something clearer.

Break it down for me

This requests a simplified explanation.

What do you mean

This alternative seeks clarification on a specific statement.

Tell me more about it

This alternative is less direct and invites a broader explanation.

FAQs

How do I use "Please explain" in a sentence?

You can use "Please explain" to politely request clarification or further information on a topic. For example, "I don't understand this concept; "Please explain"."

What's a more formal way to say "Please explain"?

For a more formal request, consider using phrases like "Could you elaborate?" or "Could you provide further clarification?". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

What can I say instead of "Please explain" if I want a simpler explanation?

If you need a simpler explanation, try asking "Can you break it down for me?" or "Can you explain it in simpler terms?". These phrases indicate that you're looking for a less technical or detailed explanation.

Is "Please explain me" grammatically correct?

No, "Please explain me" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "Please explain", where "explain" is used transitively. You can also say "Please explain it to me".