explain a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to clarify or provide details about a specific subject or object. Example: "Can you explain a thing that I don't quite understand about the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This might explain a thing or two.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't explain a thing without interpreting it.

The New Yorker

They didn't explain a thing.

HuffPost

Nobody had to explain a thing to them.

Huffington Post

They don't explain a thing to Anna, who is left to wonder why her best friend no longer wants anything to do with her.

Huffington Post

According to C-3PO, you can eat all you want in space without gaining a pound... mhm that bold and likely misleading claim could explain a thing or two about Jabba The Hut.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That explains a thing or two.

The Guardian - Sport

The reason is that knowledge (epistêmê) is a rational formula (logos) which explains a thing and its privation.

SEP

No one has explained a thing.

Los Angeles Times

"They still haven't explained a thing," Kurokawa said.

Los Angeles Times

She has no interest in justifying or explaining a thing, so she doesn't.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain a thing" when you want to convey that a clarification or explanation, even a small one, is needed to improve understanding.

Common error

While "explain a thing" is acceptable, it can sound informal or vague in professional writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "clarify the issue" or "elucidate the point" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain a thing" functions as a request for clarification or elaboration on a specific, often minor, point. It is generally used to seek a better understanding of something that is not fully clear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain a thing" is a grammatically sound way to request clarification on a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. While acceptable in various contexts, it's most common in news, media, and scientific articles but less frequent in formal or academic writing. For more formal settings, alternatives like "clarify something" or "elucidate a matter" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify something

Uses a more direct verb for making something understandable.

give details about something

Provides more specific information to enhance understanding.

elucidate a matter

Suggests a more formal and thorough explanation.

spell out a detail

Implies a very clear and explicit explanation, leaving no room for ambiguity.

shed light on something

Focuses on revealing information that was previously unclear.

expound on a topic

Suggests a detailed and often formal explanation.

offer insight into

Suggests providing a deeper understanding of a situation or topic.

break down an idea

Implies simplifying a complex idea into smaller, more understandable parts.

walk through a process

Describes explaining a procedure or sequence of actions step by step.

interpret a situation

Focuses on explaining the meaning or significance of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain a thing" when asking someone to clarify something that is not fully understood. For example, "Could you explain a thing about how this machine works?"

What's a more formal alternative to "explain a thing"?

If you're looking for a more formal phrase, consider using "clarify something" or "elucidate a matter". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "explain a thing" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "explain a thing" might sound informal in certain contexts. Use it in casual conversation or writing, but opt for more precise language in formal or academic settings.

What is the difference between "explain a thing" and "explain something"?

"Explain something" is more general, referring to any explanation. "Explain a thing" is used when you want someone to clarify a specific detail or aspect of a subject. For instance, "Can you explain something about quantum physics?" versus "Can you explain a thing about entanglement?"