able to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability to clarify or make something understandable. Example: "She is able to explain complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No one's been able to explain it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever I'm not able to explain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"But nobody's ever really been able to explain the spirals".

The New York Times - Science

But they might not be able to explain exactly what.

The New York Times - Books

My parents might not have been able to explain.

The New Yorker

When she stopped shrieking, Sweeny was able to explain.

The New Yorker

And no one seems able to explain quite why.

The Guardian - Books

It has not been able to explain the images.

The Guardian

Through tears, I was able to explain what I wanted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The numerical simulations are able to explain the measured disturbances.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

And scientists haven't been able to explain why.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to explain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being explained and to whom. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is "able to explain". Actively specify the subject performing the explanation for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to explain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating someone or something possesses the capacity or ability to provide an explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to explain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the capacity to clarify or elucidate something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely applicable. The phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, carrying a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "capable of explaining" and "qualified to explain" exist, "able to explain" provides a versatile and reliable option for expressing the ability to provide an explanation. When employing the phrase, prioritize clarity by explicitly stating what is being explained and who is providing the explanation. The key takeaway is to choose the phrasing that best fits the desired emphasis and level of formality for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of explaining

Replaces "able" with "capable", offering a synonym with virtually identical meaning.

in a position to explain

Indicates the existence of circumstances that permit explaining something.

equipped to explain

Focuses on having the necessary resources or knowledge to provide an explanation.

qualified to explain

Emphasizes the expertise or credentials required to provide a competent explanation.

prepared to explain

Highlights the readiness and willingness to offer an explanation.

in a state to explain

Similar to "in a position to", but can relate more to emotional or mental capacity.

fit to explain

Suggests being suitable or appropriate to offer an explanation.

ready to elucidate

Uses "elucidate" instead of "explain", implying a more thorough and detailed explanation.

in a place to clarify

Focuses on removing confusion or ambiguity, using "clarify" instead of "explain".

competent to clarify

Implies a sufficient skill set to successfully remove any ambiguity or confusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to explain" to describe someone's capacity to clarify something. For example, "She is "able to explain" complex concepts simply."

What are some alternatives to "able to explain"?

Alternatives include "capable of explaining", "qualified to explain", or "in a position to explain", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "able to explain" or "can explain"?

"Can explain" is generally more concise and direct. "Able to explain" emphasizes the capability to explain something, and can add a slightly more formal tone, whereas "can explain" is more colloquial.

What does it mean when someone is "not able to explain" something?

It typically means that the person lacks the understanding, knowledge, or communication skills necessary to clarify or justify a particular topic or situation. It could also imply that they are unwilling to explain for some reason.