as they explained it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they explained it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a clarification or description provided by someone else, often to emphasize their explanation. Example: "The process was complicated, but as they explained it, it became much clearer to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Rhodes et al. propose a new conception and category of risk, de minimis risk, to appropriately describe the risks in the context of human microbiome research, as they explained "it entails a degree of risk so low that harms are nominal and unlikely" (Rhodes et al., 2011).

Protein & Cell

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

The New York Times - Sports

If he thinks the savage, bloody Pequot War was mainly about land claims that could have been handled otherwise, he should look again at my account of the scarcely believable ferocity of the English troops, their frenzied butchery, which can only be explained, as they explained it, by the dreaded fear of the Antichrist.

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times - Arts

Table  2 presents the issues participants listed concerning their family and social life.> These experiences affected participants' current life, and as they explained it, were a part of the reason why they were stuck in old habits.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Embarrasses them as they explain it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As they explain it, Mount Sinai and many other academic medical centers -- especially those in New York -- are being suffocated between the dwindling flow of government money and their ever-more-costly obligations to the poor.

The New York Times

Their secret sauce, as they explain it: they've found a way to make instant coffee without requiring any boiling.

TechCrunch

As they explain it they are "using empirical, behavioral science methodologies to explore people as they interact in these digital worlds".

Huffington Post

"I've seen this over and over again with health care professionals that as soon as they get depressed, they explain it away as unworthiness or something else".

Science Magazine

"As outlandish as sports conduct might seem," they explain, "it is rooted in basic human psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive tendency".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they explained it", ensure the context clearly identifies who 'they' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as they explained it" repeatedly in close proximity without varying your phrasing or clarifying who 'they' are, as this can make your writing sound monotonous and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they explained it" functions as a connector, linking a preceding statement to an explanation provided by a specific group or source. This emphasizes that the information being presented is derived from their understanding or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they explained it" is a connector phrase used to attribute an explanation to a particular source. Ludwig AI states it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, although its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it serves to convey another's perspective, adding context or credibility to the information. Consider alternative phrases, like "according to their explanation", for stylistic variation and ensure clear attribution to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation they provided

This alternative focuses on the explanation itself, it's clear and formal

according to their explanation

Replaces the introductory phrase with a more formal tone, emphasizing the source of the explanation.

as they clarified

Highlights that the statement was in direct response to a request for further explanation

based on their account

Emphasizes the reliance on the explainers' version of events or understanding of the situation.

in their own words

Focuses on the specific language used by the explainers, implying a direct quote or paraphrase.

the way they explained things

This is an informal way to rephrase the QUERY

their interpretation was

This alternative focuses on point of view, so it may be useful if you want to highlight that it may be a biased statement

as they presented it

Highlights the manner in which the information was conveyed, whether verbally or in writing.

how they justified it

If the purpose of the explanation is to provide grounds for an argument or action, then this alternative is a good fit

from their perspective

Shifts the emphasis to the subjective viewpoint of the explainers, suggesting a particular bias or interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "as they explained it" in a sentence?

You can use "as they explained it" to introduce a concept or idea that was clarified by others. For example, "The theory was complex, but "as they explained it", it became easier to understand".

What are some alternatives to "as they explained it"?

Alternatives include "according to their explanation", "in their own words", or "from their perspective". These options can add variety to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "as they explained it" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey someone else's understanding or interpretation of a topic, particularly when their explanation is key to your argument or analysis.

What's the difference between "as they explained it" and "as they described it"?

"As they explained it" implies a clarification or simplification of something complex, while "as they described it" simply refers to a recounting of details or characteristics. The former suggests a deeper understanding, whereas the latter focuses on observable attributes.