a helpful explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a helpful explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that provides assistance or clarity on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The teacher provided a helpful explanation of the complex theory, making it easier for the students to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Copper funnels and glass siphons are used to make Clover, Syphon and Chemex coffee, with a helpful explanation by the barista if required.

The Guardian - Business

The Wirecutter, a product recommendations site now owned by The New York Times, provides a helpful explanation of why password managers are so essential.

The New York Times - Tech

"What the Gospels Meant" starts straightforwardly with a helpful explanation of just what a Gospel is: "a meditation on the meaning of Jesus in the light of sacred history as recorded in the sacred writings".

The New York Times - Books

Zachary Brennan at RAPS has already provided a helpful explanation of the problems with this proposal, and in particular the problems created if Congress were permitted to override FDA denials of approval.

Harvard University

Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 "Spellbound," in which Dr. Ingrid Bergman roots around in the mind of an amnesiac Gregory Peck to solve a murder, opens with a helpful explanation, "Our story deals with psychoanalysis, the method by which modern science treats the emotional problems of the sane".

The New York Times

7. Mackenzie and Stoljar (2000) provide a helpful explanation of why concerns about individualistic conceptions of autonomy do not undermine the importance of autonomy altogether.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I know it can be a bit confusing, but a really helpful explanation can be found in the video below.

TechCrunch

"Crashed" is an impressive narrative history, weaving together events from around the world with a light touch and a great deal of helpful explanation.

The Washington Post

The "new theory of disuse" (Bjork & Bjork, 1992) provides a helpful mechanistic explanation for the benefits of spacing to learning.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

After a total of four hours, and armed with this helpful explanation, the jury found all three defendants guilty.

Vice

Hopper's helpful explanation was: "He has been reading Plato rather late in life".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a helpful explanation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being explained and why the explanation is considered helpful. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "helpful" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what makes the explanation helpful (e.g., "a helpful explanation that simplified complex concepts" is stronger than simply "a helpful explanation").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a helpful explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "helpful" modifies the noun "explanation". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in English. The phrase serves to describe or identify a particular type of explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a helpful explanation" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe an explanation that is useful and clear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the explanation's helpful qualities are evident. Alternatives such as "an enlightening clarification" or "a clarifying account" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Avoid vagueness by specifying what makes the explanation helpful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enlightening clarification

Replaces "helpful" with "enlightening", focusing on the illumination and enhanced understanding provided by the explanation.

a clarifying account

Substitutes "explanation" with "account", shifting the focus to a detailed and clear description.

an insightful interpretation

Replaces "explanation" with "interpretation", highlighting the depth and perceptiveness of the understanding provided.

a useful exposition

Replaces "helpful" with "useful" and "explanation" with "exposition", focusing on the practicality and thoroughness of the explanation.

a valuable elucidation

Substitutes "helpful" with "valuable" and "explanation" with "elucidation", emphasizing the importance and clarifying nature of the explanation.

a supportive rationale

Emphasizes the backing and justification provided by the explanation.

a constructive analysis

Highlights the positive and methodical approach to understanding offered by the explanation.

a detailed breakdown

Focuses on the thorough and meticulous nature of the explanation, breaking down complex topics.

a plain language summary

Emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the explanation.

a user-friendly description

Focuses on the ease of understanding and accessibility of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "a helpful explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "a helpful explanation" to describe something that clarifies a topic or provides useful information. For example, "The teacher gave "a helpful explanation" of the theory, which made it easy to understand."

What are some alternatives to "a helpful explanation"?

Alternatives include "an enlightening clarification", "a clarifying account", or "an insightful interpretation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a helpful explanation"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that an explanation aids understanding. Use it when the explanation is clear, informative, and assists in comprehending a subject.

What makes an explanation "helpful"?

A "helpful" explanation is typically clear, concise, and relevant to the user's needs. It breaks down complex information into manageable parts, uses understandable language, and provides context to enhance comprehension.