can you explain further

USAGE SUMMARY

"Can you explain further?" is a grammatically correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use this sentence in a variety of contexts to request more information or a further explanation of something. For example, you might use the sentence if someone gave you a brief overview of a project and you wanted to know more details. Example: "I just heard a brief overview of the project you're working on. Can you explain further?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can you explain this further?

Forbes

Can you explain a little further what Wallace might have meant?

The New Yorker

Can you explain that idea further?

Forbes

Can you explain this genetic link further?

HuffPost

Can you explain that a little further, for the readers?

HuffPost

Can you explain "averages out" a little further.

Cornell University

Can you explain why?

International Journal of STEM Education

How can you explain it?

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Can you explain this?

BBC

Can you explain it?

The New York Times

Can you explain that?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can you explain further" when you need a more detailed or clearer explanation of a topic that has already been introduced. It's best used in contexts where some initial information is already available.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "can you explain further" in formal or academic writing can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using phrases like "could you elaborate on that" or "can you provide more details" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you explain further" functions as an interrogative request for more detailed information or clarification. It prompts the speaker to provide additional explanation beyond what has already been shared. Ludwig AI confirms it as a grammatically correct question.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can you explain further" is a grammatically sound and common way to request more detailed information or clarification. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's generally acceptable in most contexts. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "could you elaborate on that" or "can you provide more details" can enhance the professionalism of your writing. The absence of real-world examples in the search data suggests it is used across diverse contexts but not prominently featured in formal publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you elaborate on that?

Uses "elaborate" instead of "explain further", implying a request for more detail.

Explain in more detail, please.

Reorders the phrase and adds "in more detail" for emphasis.

Can you give more details?

Focuses on requesting more "details" rather than a general explanation.

Can you clarify that, please?

Replaces "explain further" with "clarify", emphasizing the need for better understanding.

Please expand on that.

Uses "expand" suggesting a broadening of the current topic.

Could you provide a more in-depth explanation?

Requests a more thorough and comprehensive explanation.

Tell me more about it.

More informal and general request for additional information.

What do you mean by that?

Focuses on understanding the speaker's intention or meaning.

Can you be more specific?

Asks for more precise or concrete information.

Walk me through that process.

Implies a request for step-by-step guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "can you explain further" when you want someone to provide a more detailed explanation of something. For example, "I understand the basic concept, but "can you explain further"?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to explain further?

Instead of "can you explain further", you could say "could you elaborate on that?" or "could you provide more details?". These alternatives sound more polite and professional.

Which is correct, "can you explain further" or "can you further explain"?

"Can you explain further" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. "Can you further explain" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "can you explain further" and "what do you mean by that"?

"Can you explain further" asks for additional details or clarification on a topic already discussed. "What do you mean by that" seeks to understand the meaning or intention behind a specific statement.