explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make something clear or give the reasons for something. For example: "I had difficulty understanding the instructions, so the teacher explained them again to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to explain this?

The Economist

Referring to the accusations that she had "played the gender card" by calling out sexism, she said her position as the first female incumbent "does not explain everything about my prime ministership and does not explain nothing about my prime ministership".

The Guardian

"We've got to explain why they are compassionate too".

The Economist

Students can present their egg to the class and explain why they chose that species.

The Guardian

"It's very difficult to explain to people – particularly my Yolgnu constituents – who come to me about public housing and say why can't I have one of these empty houses?" says Walker.

The Guardian

How was I to explain to him that to me, seeing Achebe would be similar to, say, a Catholic coming face to face with his patron saint?

The Guardian - Books

To listen to the other person's point of view and to explain our point of view is the essence of politics.

The Guardian

Starting with a recipe for whole suckling pig, it goes on to explain how every part of the animal can be cooked, cured or smoked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Government need to explain who authorised the use of terrorism legislation in this case and what the justification was.

The Guardian

"We have spoken to the parents who were visiting force headquarters with their children to explain what happened and have apologised for any distress caused".

The Guardian

Unfairness needs no deeper philosophy to explain it than this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain", consider your audience and tailor the level of detail accordingly. A technical audience might require a more in-depth explanation than a general one.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly complex language when trying to "explain" something to a general audience. Clarity is key; aim for simplicity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explain" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (what is being explained). It can also function as an intransitive verb when the object is implied or understood. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "explain" is a very common and grammatically correct verb used to make something clear or understandable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using "explain", consider your audience and the desired level of detail. Alternatives like "clarify", "elaborate", and "interpret" can provide nuanced meanings. Avoid overcomplicating your explanations by using simple and direct language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

Elaborate

Involves adding more details and information to provide a fuller understanding.

Expound

Suggests a thorough and detailed explanation, often in a formal setting.

Illustrate

Uses examples or analogies to make something clearer.

Interpret

Focuses on providing the meaning of something that is not immediately obvious.

Describe

Provides a detailed account of something, focusing on its characteristics or features.

Outline

Gives a summary of the main points or features of something.

Demystify

Aims to simplify something complex or obscure, making it easier to understand.

Account for

Provides a reason or explanation for something, often in a cause-and-effect context.

Spell out

Explains something in a very clear and direct way, leaving no room for confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "explain" in a sentence?

You can use "explain" to describe the act of making something clear or understandable. For example, "Could you "explain" the instructions again?"

What are some alternatives to "explain"?

Alternatives to "explain" include "clarify", "elaborate", "illustrate", and "interpret". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "explain something to someone" or "explain something for someone"?

"Explain something to someone" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct. "Explain something for someone" implies doing the explaining on their behalf, rather than directly to them.

What's the difference between "explain" and "describe"?

"Explain" focuses on making something understandable by clarifying its causes, reasons, or workings. "Describe", on the other hand, provides a detailed account of something's characteristics or features without necessarily making it easier to understand.