allow me to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow me to explain" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to clarify something or provide additional information. For example: "I can see that you are confused. Allow me to explain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Allow me to explain.

The New York Times

So allow me to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

How has it come to this? Allow me to explain.

Independent

Hmm, not really – please allow me to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before you even ask, allow me to explain why there's no cable TV.

The New Yorker

But there's other things that would allow me to explain that as well.

Yale University

2.43pm BST Last word today goes to Patrick Finch... "Allow me to explain myself," he writes.

The Guardian - Sport

Nick Paumgarten mentioned Lou-bots, so allow me to explain for the benefit of the uninitiated.

The New Yorker

That may seem like curious behavior coming from an MBA student, but allow me to explain my own experience.

Yale University

Before I divulge the horror of what happened next, allow me to explain Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The Guardian

For those of you who haven't seen this latest example of public transport trolling, allow me to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow me to explain" when you want to politely introduce an explanation, particularly when addressing someone who may be confused or misinformed. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While polite, overuse of "allow me to explain" can come across as condescending or interruptive. Ensure you are genuinely adding value and not simply restating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to explain" functions as a polite introductory phrase that signals the speaker's intention to provide clarification, justification, or additional information. Ludwig showcases its usage across various domains, confirming its widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow me to explain" is a versatile and widely used expression for introducing an explanation, as confirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a polite and neutral phrase, it signals an intention to clarify or provide additional information. As shown by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and common, remember that overusing it can come across as condescending. Alternatives like "let me explain" or "permit me to explain" can offer different shades of formality. The key is to use "allow me to explain" judiciously to enhance, not detract from, your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me explain

More direct and less formal.

permit me to explain

More formal and polite.

I'd like to explain

Softer, more tentative introduction to an explanation.

if I may explain

Introduces a conditional element, seeking permission.

let me clarify

Focuses specifically on clearing up confusion or ambiguity.

to explain further

Suggests a continuation of a previous explanation.

for the sake of clarity

Emphasizes the purpose of the explanation.

by way of explanation

Introduces the explanation as a means of providing context.

to put it another way

Offers an alternative perspective to aid understanding.

the reason is

Directly states that an explanation will follow.

FAQs

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

Use "allow me to explain" when you want to politely offer an explanation, especially when you sense confusion or disagreement. It's suitable in various contexts, but consider if a more direct approach might be better.

What are some alternative phrases to "allow me to explain"?

Alternatives include "let me explain", "permit me to explain", or "I'd like to explain", each offering a slightly different tone and level of formality.

How can I avoid sounding condescending when using "allow me to explain"?

Ensure your tone is respectful and that you're genuinely offering helpful clarification, not just correcting someone. Consider if simply providing the explanation without the introductory phrase is more appropriate.

Is there a difference between "allow me to explain" and "let me explain"?

"Allow me to explain" is generally considered more polite and formal than "let me explain", which is more direct and informal. The choice depends on the context and your relationship with the listener.