explain a topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain a topic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain in detail more about a specific subject. For example, "Please explain the concept of gravity in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While visual aids can distract and bore people, sometimes they do help explain a topic.

BBC

Usually, it only takes the first moments when you start to rehearse what you'll say to explain a topic, or worse, the first student question, for you to realise that you don't truly understand it.

BBC

Explain a topic?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"No longer is there a single long session where you 'log on;' rather, with mobile there are now many 'micro moments' happening throughout the day short bursts when you complete micro tasks on your phone toward a bigger goal like buying a new car," he explained, a topic Google has owned.

Forbes

If a certain guide does a bad job at explaining a topic, try reading another one on the subject; it may not be you that's the problem!

WikiHow

For instance, by using a device called a reader to extract the information stored on the chip, Memory Spot could provide an audio clip for a photo, a revision history of a paper document, or supplementary video footage to explain a complex topic in a text book.

MIT Technology Review

The teacher can provide the audio annotations to explain a specific topic in detail.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Sometimes humor is the best mechanism to explain an opaque topic.

TechCrunch

"He had the opportunity to share a message about Easter", Mr Ross said of Mr Dempsey, "And he chose to use an illustration to explain a very important topic about the crucifixion but the illustration went too far". But for many in the non-denominational church's community, the apology fell short.

BBC

Walk David to school while trying and failing to explain evolution, a topic he's obsessed with but currently a little hazy on.

The New York Times

To apply, women are asked to make a video explaining a STEM topic of their choice, not necessarily in the field they hope to pursue.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asked to "explain a topic", provide context first to establish a foundation before diving into details.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying when you "explain a topic". Ensure you cover key nuances and complexities to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain a topic" functions as an instructional expression, often used to request or suggest a detailed account or clarification of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain a topic" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily used to request or provide a detailed explanation of a subject. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse sources, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. The best practice involves providing context before detail, while a common error is oversimplification. Related phrases include "elucidate a subject" and "clarify a theme".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break down a subject

Substitutes "explain" with "break down", implying simplifying a complex subject into smaller parts.

elucidate a subject

Replaces "explain" with the more formal "elucidate" and "topic" with "subject".

expound on a theme

Replaces "explain" with "expound", which implies a detailed explanation, and substitutes "topic" with "theme".

clarify a theme

Substitutes "explain" with "clarify", implying making something easier to understand, and replaces "topic" with "theme".

interpret a subject

Uses "interpret" instead of "explain", which focuses on providing a particular understanding or perspective, and replaces "topic" with "subject".

describe a subject

Uses "describe" instead of "explain", focusing on providing details rather than making it understandable.

demonstrate a concept

Replaces "explain" with "demonstrate", which suggests showing how something works in addition to explaining it, and substitutes "topic" with "concept".

detail an issue

Replaces "explain" with "detail", emphasizing a comprehensive account, and "topic" with "issue".

outline a matter

Uses "outline" in place of "explain", suggesting a summary of the main points and substitutes "topic" with "matter".

present a concept

Substitutes "explain" with "present", indicating an introduction or display of a concept, and "topic" with "concept".

FAQs

How can I effectively "explain a topic" to someone unfamiliar with it?

Start with basic definitions and gradually introduce more complex concepts, using examples and analogies to aid understanding. Consider using "illustrate a topic" to show the topic from other perspective.

What are some alternatives to saying "explain a topic"?

You could use phrases like "elucidate a subject", "clarify a theme", or "describe a subject" depending on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

How does "explain a topic" differ from "analyze a topic"?

"Explain a topic" focuses on making something understandable, while "analyze a topic" involves breaking it down into its components and examining their relationships. "analyze a topic".

What key elements should I include when I "explain a topic" in writing?

Include a clear introduction, well-organized body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a concise conclusion that summarizes the main points. You might also include diagrams or other aids to comprehension.