do explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"Do explain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are asking someone to explain a concept or idea to you in more detail. For example, "I don't understand why the stocks are falling so quickly - can you do explain it in more detail?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do explain.

Harvard University

"If they are, do explain why.

The Guardian - Sport

The tutorials do explain everything if they get stuck though.

The Guardian

But they do explain a big chunk of it.

The Washington Post

Todd Please do explain how this endorsement stuff works.

The New Yorker

Exploratory analyses identified several variables that do explain differences in perceived "climate for academic freedom".

Research Policy

"That's one of the jobs we have to do, explain to the American people".

The New York Times

They do explain what HIV is but only in a very limited way".

The Guardian

I don't think they ever do explain the chicken, though: one for the sequel, maybe?

The Guardian - Film

In purely arithmetical terms, America's high flows of net immigration do explain much of the country's steady population growth.

The Washington Post

Excluding ophthalmologists, most doctors do not do eye exams before dispensing Latisse, but they do explain how to apply it.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do explain" when you want to politely but firmly request someone to elaborate on a point that is unclear or requires more detail. It adds a touch of emphasis to your request.

Common error

While "do explain" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "explain" or "tell me more" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do explain" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to provide an explanation. It is used to seek clarification or further information. Ludwig's examples show a wide range of contexts where this phrase is appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

26%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do explain" is a versatile imperative phrase used to politely and emphatically request further explanation or clarification. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While effective, it's important to consider the setting and adjust the level of formality as needed. Alternative phrases such as "please elaborate" or "explain further" can be used depending on the desired tone. The phrase's effectiveness stems from its direct yet polite approach to seeking detailed information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please elaborate

Emphasizes a polite request for more information or detail.

Explain further

Directly asks for a more detailed explanation.

Could you clarify

Asks for clarification on a specific point.

Tell me more

Encourages the speaker to provide additional information.

Expand on that

Requests a more detailed account or discussion.

Give more details

Specifically asks for additional details.

Shed some light on

Asks for insight or understanding on a topic.

Clarify the matter

Requests a clearer explanation of the situation.

Walk me through it

Asks for a step-by-step explanation.

Break it down for me

Requests a simplified explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "do explain" when you need someone to elaborate on something. For example, "I don't understand this concept; do explain it to me."

What's a more formal way to say "do explain"?

For a more formal approach, you could use phrases like "please elaborate" or "could you clarify".

Is it always necessary to use "do" before "explain"?

No, using "do" is not always necessary. It adds emphasis or politeness. You can simply say "explain" but "do explain" stresses the request.

What is the difference between "explain" and "do explain"?

"Do explain" emphasizes the request for an explanation more strongly than simply saying "explain". The addition of "do" adds a bit of urgency or a polite insistence.