as they explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to information or details that are being clarified or elaborated upon by someone else. Example: "The researchers provided valuable insights into the phenomenon, as they explain the underlying mechanisms in their study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Embarrasses them as they explain it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As they explain: "By the 1980s, tariffs were long gone.

The Guardian

And as they explain: "There are many ethical issues, too.

The New York Times

As they explain, for 40 years the Greek Cypriots have been masters of their own house.

The Guardian - Opinion

They finish each other's sentences as they explain the life cycle of loyal clients.

The New York Times

These theories all explain themselves just as much as they explain Santa Claus.

Independent

Fermanagh people love these words as they explain exactly the relationship we have with water, sweet water, deep water.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Both leaders spoke for about 40 minutes, adopting professorial tones as they explained the conflict.

The New York Times

As they explained it to Kelley, he remembers them repeating, "It was the best option available".

The New York Times - Sports

As they explained, it's a game: the first singer to fall out of rhythm loses.

The New York Times - Arts

Both leaders have faced a backlash within their parties as they explained the details to members.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they explain", ensure that the 'they' is clearly defined and refers to a specific group or individuals to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as they explain" when you are actually offering your own interpretation or analysis of a situation. Make sure that the explanation you are presenting genuinely reflects the views of the 'they' you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they explain" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to attribute an explanation or viewpoint to a specific group or individuals. It sets the stage for presenting information or analysis provided by others. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to connect external information to the current discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they explain" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce or paraphrase an explanation from a specified source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity and accuracy, clearly identify the 'they' and accurately represent their explanation. Remember to use alternative phrases like "as they clarify" or "as they describe" when appropriate to enhance your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "as they explain" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they clarify

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", emphasizing the act of making something easier to understand.

as they elucidate

Substitutes "explain" with "elucidate", suggesting a more thorough and detailed explanation.

as they detail

Replaces "explain" with "detail", focusing on the provision of specific information.

as they describe

Substitutes "explain" with "describe", highlighting the act of giving an account of something.

as they outline

Replaces "explain" with "outline", suggesting a structured and organized explanation.

as they illustrate

Substitutes "explain" with "illustrate", focusing on the use of examples or visuals to aid understanding.

as they interpret

Replaces "explain" with "interpret", implying the provision of a subjective understanding.

in their explanation

Rephrases the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning of providing an explanation.

according to their explanation

Rephrases to indicate the explanation as a source of information.

the explanation they provide

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of providing an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "as they explain" in a sentence?

You can use "as they explain" to introduce or paraphrase someone's explanation of a topic. For example, "The researchers provided valuable insights into the phenomenon, as they explain the underlying mechanisms in their study."

What are some alternatives to "as they explain"?

Some alternatives to "as they explain" include "as they clarify", "as they elucidate", or "as they describe depending on the context".

Is it always necessary to specify who 'they' are when using "as they explain"?

Yes, it's crucial to clearly identify who "they" refers to, ensuring your audience understands the source of the explanation. This avoids confusion and misinterpretation.

When should I use a direct quote instead of "as they explain"?

Use a direct quote when the exact wording is important or when you want to emphasize the specific way someone expressed their explanation. Use "as they explain" when summarizing or paraphrasing their explanation is sufficient.