could you explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"could you explain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to explain something to you in more detail, or to clarify a situation. For example, "Could you explain why you made that decision?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Could you explain?

Independent

Could you explain this idea?

Independent

Could you explain all of this?

The New Yorker

Could you explain this clearly?

The New York Times

Could you explain the circumstances?

The New Yorker

Could you explain them a bit here?

The New Yorker

Could you explain it?" Levitt was stymied.

The New York Times - Magazine

This "public good", Charlotte, could you explain?

The Guardian - Opinion

Could you explain how your score choice programs work?

The New York Times

Could you explain why you find them so interesting?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You reference a "technology for peace" that's more powerful than weaponry--could you explain?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Could you explain..." to politely request clarification or further details on a specific topic. It sets a collaborative tone.

Common error

Don't just say "Could you explain?" without specifying what needs explaining. Vague requests can lead to unfocused and unhelpful responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could you explain" functions as an interrogative request for clarification or further information. It's a polite way to ask someone to provide a more detailed account or make something easier to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could you explain" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to request clarification or further information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently employed in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Its politeness and clarity make it appropriate for both neutral and formal situations. When using this phrase, it is important to be specific about what you need explained to ensure a focused and helpful response. Consider alternatives like "could you clarify" or "can you elaborate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you clarify?

Slightly more concise and direct, focusing solely on the need for clarification.

Can you elaborate?

Emphasizes the desire for a more detailed explanation.

Could you give more detail?

Focuses on the need for additional specific information.

Could you break it down for me?

Suggests a simplification of a complex topic is desired.

Can you explain in simpler terms?

Specifically asks for a less technical or complicated explanation.

Could you run that by me again?

Implies the initial explanation was not understood and needs repetition.

What do you mean by that?

Directly asks for clarification of a specific statement.

Could you walk me through that?

Requests a step-by-step explanation of a process or concept.

Can you shed some light on that?

Asks for more insight or understanding about a topic.

Explain yourself

A more direct and potentially confrontational way to ask for an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "could you explain" to politely ask someone to provide more information or clarify something. For example, "Could you explain the process in more detail?" or "Could you explain why you made that decision?"

What can I say instead of "could you explain"?

You can use alternatives like "could you clarify", "can you elaborate", or "could you describe" depending on the context.

Is "could you explain me" grammatically correct?

No, "could you explain me" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could you explain" followed by the subject you want explained. For example, "Could you explain this concept to me?" is correct.

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

"Could you explain" is generally considered more polite and formal than "can you explain". Both phrases are acceptable, but "could you explain" is often preferred in professional or formal settings.