explain a subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain a subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a detailed description or clarification about a particular topic or area of study. Example: "In your essay, please explain a subject that interests you, such as climate change or artificial intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You can leave out less from a 4,000 word feature that aims to explain a subject in depth than you can from a 400-word news piece.

The Guardian

You listen to an expert explain a subject to you, and then you repeat back what you heard to show that you learned it.

The New Yorker

But the digital editions displayed on these devices remain largely faithful to the traditional idea of a book by using words — and occasional pictures — to tell a story or explain a subject.

The New York Times - Books

The man had an uncanny ability to lucidly and quickly explain a subject and marshal his arguments in a soothingly persuasive way.

Forbes

There are generally 4 types of learners: Visual learners: these are people who prefer to see some sort of illustration to further explain a subject.

WikiHow

whereas connected subfields like bioarchaeology and geoarchaeology ar outlined by the fabric that they study, environmental' is employed to explain a subject matter that ought to be thought of across anthropology as an entire.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Zhu and his cofounder and co-CEO Louis Yang raised $250,000 from VCs and spent six months building an app called Cicada, where experts could create short three-to-five minute videos explaining a subject.

TechCrunch

That approach is often the best way to explain a complex subject — and persuade people of your case.

The New York Times

EVERY weekday The Economist explains a new subject, topical or timeless, profound or peculiar.

The Economist

This may be explained by a subject who is asymmetrical would be expected to have a wide spread in minimum and maximum values, and hence, the mean value could potentially be zero.

Progress in Orthodontics

Besides a clear inter-individual difference in EEG patterns, it seems that the found temporal variability of the ECPs within a subject explains a large part of the observed inter-subject variability in the ECPs, i.e. the correlation between EEG frequency power and BOLD RSNs.

Brain Topography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a complex topic, start with a broad overview before diving into specifics to help your audience grasp the fundamental concepts. Use analogies and real-world examples to make abstract ideas more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly technical language when trying to explain a subject to a general audience. Always consider your audience's existing knowledge and tailor your explanation accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain a subject" functions as a verb phrase, where "explain" is the verb and "a subject" is the direct object. It indicates the action of providing a clear and understandable account of a particular topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain a subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that denotes the act of elucidating a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, it's versatile enough for formal academic papers and informal discussions. Remember to tailor your explanation to your audience, avoiding jargon and using clear language. Alternative phrases like "elucidate a topic" or "clarify a theme" can add nuance to your writing. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively "explain a subject" and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate a topic

Uses a more formal and academic vocabulary.

clarify a theme

Focuses on making a theme more understandable.

expound on a matter

Implies a detailed and thorough explanation.

break down a topic

Suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller parts.

shed light on a subject

Indicates revealing new or hidden aspects of a subject.

illustrate a point

Uses examples to make a point clearer.

interpret a concept

Focuses on providing a particular understanding or perspective.

walk through a subject

Suggests a step-by-step explanation.

give an account of a topic

Offers a descriptive overview.

present a subject

Offers a subject or a topic, usually in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "explain a subject" in a sentence?

Use "explain a subject" when you want to describe the act of making something understandable. For example, "The professor's goal was to "explain a subject" in a clear and concise manner".

What are some alternatives to "explain a subject"?

You can use alternatives like "elucidate a topic", "clarify a theme", or "expound on a matter" depending on the context.

Is it better to "explain a subject" or "elaborate on a subject"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""explain a subject"" focuses on making something understandable, while "elaborate on a subject" implies providing more detail. The best choice depends on whether your goal is clarity or depth.

What's the difference between "explain a subject" and "present a subject"?

"Explain a subject" means to make something understandable, while "present a subject" means to introduce or showcase it, often without necessarily making it fully clear. For example, you might "present a subject" in a conference, then "explain" its key concepts during a Q&A session.