can you explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can you explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to ask someone to make an explanation of a certain situation or concept. For example you can say, "Can you explain to me why this happened?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can you explain its benefits?

The New York Times

Can you explain your reasoning?

The New York Times

Can you explain this more?

The New Yorker

Can you explain "the read"?

The New York Times

Can you explain her thinking?

The New York Times - Magazine

Can you explain more?

The Guardian

Can you explain that formula?

The New Yorker

Can you explain its impact?

The Guardian

Can you explain extended play?

The Guardian - Tech

Can you explain the problems?

The New Yorker

How can you explain love?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can you explain", be specific about what you need explained. This provides context and allows the person to give a more focused and helpful answer.

Common error

Don't just ask "can you explain?" without providing context. This can lead to confusion or an incomplete explanation. Instead, specify what you'd like clarified: "Can you explain the difference between X and Y?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you explain" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically used to solicit an explanation or clarification from someone. Ludwig examples confirm its role in seeking deeper understanding across various contexts. The phrase is a direct way to ask someone to provide details or reasons about a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can you explain" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for requesting clarification or detailed explanations. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic discussions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, and its effectiveness lies in its directness in seeking information. To maximize clarity, remember to provide specific context when using the phrase and avoid vague requests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you clarify?

This option is a more direct and concise way of asking for clarification.

Can you elaborate on that?

This phrase specifically asks for more detail or expansion on a previously mentioned point.

Could you give more detail?

This alternative directly requests additional details about the subject.

Can you provide further information?

This asks for more information, often implying a need for specific facts or data.

What do you mean by that?

This phrase seeks to understand the speaker's intent or definition.

Can you break that down for me?

This implies simplifying a complex topic for better understanding.

Can you put it in simpler terms?

This asks for the explanation to be given using less technical or complex language.

What's the reason for that?

This alternative seeks the underlying cause or rationale behind something.

What's the explanation?

This is a general request for the reason or cause of something.

Walk me through it.

This asks someone to guide you through a process or explanation step-by-step.

FAQs

How can I use "can you explain" in a sentence?

You can use "can you explain" to request clarification or further detail about a topic. For instance, "Can you explain how this works?" or "Can you explain the reasoning behind this decision?"

What is a more formal way to ask "can you explain"?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "Could you clarify...?", "Could you elaborate on...?", or "Would you mind providing an explanation of...?"

What are some alternatives to "can you explain"?

Alternatives include "Could you clarify?", "Can you elaborate?", or "Can you provide more detail?", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can you explain me" instead of "can you explain"?

No, "can you explain me" is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "can you explain," followed by the topic you want clarified. For example, "Can you explain this concept to me?" is the correct way to phrase it.