can you please explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can you please explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask someone to provide a detailed explanation of something. For example: "Can you please explain how the new software works?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Can you please explain exactly what you need?

The New York Times

If so, can you please explain the science behind it?

The New York Times

Can you please explain who or what Terry Richardson is?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Can you please explain to me how you can improve on that?" Smith would try.

The New York Times - Sports

Can you please explain why the big fuss over that model Agyness Deyn?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can you please explain to me why American theatre critics don't take their profession seriously?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Can someone please explain why?

The Guardian - Tech

Can anyone please explain this to me?

The New Yorker

Can someone please explain how athletics is tied to scholarship?

The New York Times

• Can someone please explain how Mark Penn still has a job?

The New York Times

Can someone please explain, then -- in terms that make sense -- why we need the Olympics?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can you please explain", ensure the context makes it clear what you are asking to be explained. Be specific to avoid vague or unhelpful responses.

Common error

While polite, overuse of "can you please explain" can make your writing sound repetitive or less confident. Vary your requests for clarification with phrases like "could you elaborate" or "I would appreciate further details".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you please explain" functions as an interrogative clause used to politely request clarification or a detailed description of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can you please explain" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to politely request clarification or detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. While versatile, it’s important to ensure specificity in your request and to vary your phrasing to maintain engagement and avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "could you elaborate" or "I'd appreciate an explanation" for a more nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you clarify what you mean?

Focuses specifically on understanding the meaning behind a statement.

Could you elaborate on that?

Offers a more concise and direct request for further details.

Would you mind explaining that further?

Adds an extra layer of politeness by asking if the person is willing to explain.

Can you give me more details?

Requests additional information or specifics about a topic.

I'd appreciate an explanation.

Expresses a desire for an explanation in a slightly more formal way.

Walk me through that.

Implies a desire for a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

Explain to me why.

Directly asks for the reasoning behind an action or decision.

What's the explanation for that?

Shifts the focus to finding the reason or justification for something.

Tell me more about it.

A more informal way of asking for further explanation.

Please, explain.

A shorter, more emphatic version of the original request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can you please explain" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "could you elaborate on", "would you mind clarifying", or "I would appreciate an explanation of". These alternatives, which you can explore by clicking on /s/elaborate+on, /s/clarifying and /s/explanation+of, maintain politeness while conveying a higher level of formality.

What are some informal alternatives to "can you please explain"?

In casual settings, you might use alternatives such as "tell me more about it" or "walk me through that". These options, which you can explore by clicking on /s/tell+me+more+about+it and /s/walk+me+through+that, are more conversational and less direct.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "can you please explain"?

While generally polite, "can you please explain" might be seen as too direct or demanding in situations where you should already understand the information. Ensure that you've made a reasonable effort to understand before requesting an explanation.

What's the difference between "can you please explain" and "could you please explain"?

Both phrases are polite requests for clarification. "Could you please explain", which you can explore by clicking on /s/could+you+please+explain, is often perceived as slightly more polite and tentative than "can you please explain", but the difference is minimal.