by explaining that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by explaining that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a clarification or elaboration on a previous statement. Example: "The author supports her argument by explaining that the data collected over the years shows a clear trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He begins by explaining that optimising speed in a race like this involves solving two problems.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Guengerich, the officiant, began the couple's nondenominational ceremony by explaining that "true love engages differences".

The New York Times - Style

Egnal begins his book by explaining that use of jargon can be positive.

Duke University

Bernard rejects Doris's advances by explaining that he is gay.

The New York Times - Arts

Justice Sotomayor began by explaining that "the application-of-legal-standard-to-fact sort of question..

Harvard University

This week I'll begin by explaining that big data sources will not replace surveys.

Princeton University

Demonstrate that you're still motivated by explaining that you want to continue develop in your role.

Harvard Business Review

Sometimes you get people to want you by explaining that everybody wants you.

Harvard Business Review

They could start by explaining that service imports fall broadly into two types.

The New York Times

The Sharks captain later defended his snub by explaining that he was farewelling Blues fans.

The Guardian - Sport

He defends himself by explaining that the piece he's writing isn't about Bellow; it's about Bloom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by explaining that", ensure that the explanation directly relates to and supports the preceding point. Avoid using it as a generic introduction to unrelated information.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "by explaining that". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. Use synonyms like "by clarifying that" or restructure the sentence to integrate the explanation more naturally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by explaining that" functions as a causal connector, introducing an explanation or reason for a previous statement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, showing it effectively clarifies or elaborates on an argument, action, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

32%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by explaining that" serves as a useful conjunction phrase to introduce explanations and clarifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse writing genres. Its primary function is to provide reasoning or details that support a previous statement, making it suitable for academic, news, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to vary sentence structure and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Related alternatives include "by clarifying that" and "by detailing that", each offering subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by clarifying that

Replaces "explaining" with "clarifying", emphasizing making something easier to understand.

by detailing that

Replaces "explaining" with "detailing", focusing on providing extensive information.

by indicating that

Replaces "explaining" with "indicating", which suggests pointing something out without extensive detail.

by asserting that

Replaces "explaining" with "asserting", implying a strong declaration of a fact.

by pointing out that

Similar to "indicating that", but slightly more informal.

by noting that

A more concise way to introduce a relevant observation.

by mentioning that

Introduces something briefly, without necessarily elaborating.

by stating that

A neutral way to introduce a fact or opinion.

by revealing that

Implies uncovering something previously unknown.

by communicating that

Focuses on the act of conveying information.

FAQs

How can I use "by explaining that" in a sentence?

Use "by explaining that" to introduce a reason or clarification. For example, "The author supports her argument "by explaining that" the data shows a clear trend".

What are some alternatives to "by explaining that"?

You can use alternatives like "by clarifying that", "by detailing that", or "by indicating that" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "by explaining that"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, consider using "by elucidating that" or "by articulating that" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "by explaining that" and "by stating that"?

"By explaining that" implies providing reasons or details for understanding, while "by stating that" simply means declaring something as a fact or opinion without necessarily providing an explanation.