but explained this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but explained this" is not correct as it lacks context and clarity.
It can be used when referring to a previous statement or idea that needs further clarification or elaboration. Example: "The report was confusing, but explained this in more detail during the presentation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The students' sex was significant for the outcome on GRI-P in both countries, but explained this score to a greater extent in the Netherlands than in Sweden.

BMC Medical Education

In reply to question nine, "have you been limping when walking because of your hip?", a respondent answered that they don't limp but explained this was a result of them being confined to a wheelchair.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I still do not know if I follow the doctrine of Hinduism or if I simply do not believe in anything more than a higher power, but explaining this to my family is quite the obstacle.

Huffington Post

Public-goods cooperation is widespread in nature but explaining this is a challenge for evolutionary biologists [ 1- 3].

BMC Biology

Post acknowledges those concerns but explains, "This is an open and transparent process; comments from the public may be submitted during the two years the advisory committee meets and prepares its report, which are available for public viewing.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But, he explained, this isn't a bailout.

Forbes

As if somehow being beautiful -- which she is -- didn't so much justify but explained why this would have happened to her.

Huffington Post

But when we explained this to Oregón and his mother, Emma, she put a stop to the conversation.

The New Yorker

But when she explained this goal to the director of the first school she worked in, he set her straight.

The New Yorker

But as Kennerly explained, this ruling wasn't out of left field.

Los Angeles Times

I explained this but they continued to clog my inbox with idiocy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but", ensure that the contrast is clear and the explanation directly addresses the preceding statement to avoid ambiguity. Consider using stronger verbs than "explained" for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "but explained this" when the relationship between the two clauses isn't immediately apparent. Make sure the "but" logically connects a contrast or exception to what precedes it, and the explanation is a direct response to the initial statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but explained this" functions as a conjunction linking two clauses, where the second clause offers an explanation that contrasts with the first. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase can sometimes lack clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but explained this" serves to connect contrasting information with a subsequent explanation. However, it's crucial to ensure clarity and logical flow when using this phrase. As Ludwig AI underlines, the construction can be awkward and might benefit from rephrasing for improved readability. While examples exist in various contexts, its relatively low frequency suggests that more precise or descriptive alternatives may often be preferable. The neutral register makes it adaptable, but careful attention to context is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but clarified this

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", suggesting a simplification or making something easier to understand.

but elaborated on this

Uses "elaborated" instead of "explained", implying a more detailed expansion.

however, this was explained

Rephrases the sentence to start with "however", providing a contrast before introducing the explanation.

yet this was justified

Replaces "explained" with "justified", implying that there was a need to defend the action.

but this was accounted for

Uses "accounted for" instead of "explained", implying that the reasons or details for something were taken into consideration.

but the reason was given

Changes the structure to emphasize that a reason was provided.

but this was elucidated

Uses a more formal word, "elucidated", to suggest a clearer and more thorough explanation.

but an explanation was provided

Rephrases to focus on the act of providing an explanation, rather than the explanation itself.

but this was rationalized

Replaces "explained" with "rationalized", suggesting an attempt to make something seem reasonable or logical.

but the causes were detailed

Emphasizes the detailing of causes, implying a thorough exploration of reasons.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but explained this" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "but clarified this", "but elaborated on this", or "however this was explained" to enhance clarity and flow.

Is "but explained this" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While not strictly incorrect, "but explained this" can sound awkward. Ensure the explanation directly and logically follows the contrasted idea. Often, restructuring the sentence or using a stronger verb improves readability.

What's a more formal way to say "but explained this"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "however, this was elucidated" or "however this was justified", which add a layer of sophistication and precision.

When is it appropriate to use "but explained this"?

Use "but explained this" when you want to contrast a statement with an explanation that follows directly after it. If the connection isn't immediately obvious, choose a more descriptive phrase to enhance understanding.