explain a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain a lot" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where one statement or fact provides an explanation for multiple related facts, statements, or issues. For example, "The latest polling data explain a lot about the momentum of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(That would explain a lot).

The New Yorker

Might explain a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

Convincingly elaborated, it might explain a lot.

The Economist

I had to explain a lot.

The New Yorker

It would help explain a lot.

The New York Times - Arts

It would explain a lot, wouldn't it?

The Guardian - Opinion

And offensive realism does explain a lot.

The New York Times - Books

Which may well explain a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

Honestly surprised by this (though it does explain a lot).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This may explain a lot.

Huffington Post

These simple observations, made in the volunteers we study in our lab at Mayo Clinic, explain a lot.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain a lot", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being explained. For example, "This new data explains a lot about the previously unclear market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "explain a lot" when the explanation is partial or incomplete. Instead, use qualifiers like "explain some" or "explain a part of" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain a lot" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that something provides a significant amount of clarification or understanding. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used across various contexts to highlight the explanatory power of a particular fact, event, or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain a lot" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies a significant degree of clarification or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. Key related phrases include "shed much light on" and "account for a great deal". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being explained, and avoid overstating the explanatory power if the explanation is only partial. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make much clearer

Focuses on the resultant clarity provided by the explanation.

shed much light on

Changes the verb and uses a metaphorical expression to indicate clarification.

account for a great deal

Shifts the focus to providing a reason or justification for something significant.

offer a significant explanation for

Replaces "explain a lot" with a more formal and detailed expression.

help one understand a great deal about

Focuses on assisting understanding, conveying a similar meaning with a different structure.

provide considerable insight into

Emphasizes the depth of understanding gained from the explanation.

give a comprehensive explanation of

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the explanation.

clarify considerably

Uses an adverb to intensify the verb "clarify", indicating a substantial degree of explanation.

illuminate significantly

Uses a strong verb to indicate a powerful or revealing explanation.

elucidate substantially

Employs a more formal verb and adverb to convey a thorough explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain a lot" to indicate that something provides a significant explanation or understanding of a situation. For example, "The new evidence "explain a lot" about the mystery."

What are some alternatives to "explain a lot"?

Alternatives include phrases like "shed much light on", "account for a great deal", or "clarify considerably", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "explain a lot" in formal or informal contexts?

While "explain a lot" is versatile, it leans towards a neutral register and is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "offer a significant explanation for" may be preferred in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "explain a lot" and "explain everything"?

"Explain a lot" suggests that a significant portion or aspect is clarified, while "explain everything" implies a complete and exhaustive explanation. Therefore, "explain everything" suggests comprehensiveness, and its usage should be reserved for when total clarification is achieved.