explain about

USAGE SUMMARY

“explain about” is not a correct English phrase.
It is more common to say "explain (something)" or "explain how (something works)." For example: Can you explain how this machine works?.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They don't explain about the story.

The New York Times - Arts

You will explain about counting them.

The New Yorker

Perhaps I should explain about my parents.

The Guardian

Micronutrient deficiencies explain about half the disability suffered by children.

The Economist

You try to explain about the turban and the beard.

The Guardian

"There's nothing for me to explain about it.

The New York Times

Now, we can explain about 20% of cases.

The Guardian

Let me explain about those 2,783 wines.

The New York Times

I had tennis shoes on, and I tried to explain about my foot.

The New York Times

What's still difficult to explain about Brown is just why he turned so hard against slavery.

The New Yorker

"What are you drinking?" I explain about the bottle and the bridge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "explain about". Instead, use "explain" followed directly by the subject or "explain how" to describe a process. For example, say "explain the process" or "explain how it works".

Common error

The most common error is adding unnecessary prepositions like "about" after the verb "explain". This creates an unnatural and grammatically incorrect sentence. Remember, "explain" often directly takes the object without needing a preposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain about" functions as a verb phrase aiming to convey the act of providing clarification or details regarding a specific subject. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, as the verb "explain" typically takes a direct object without the addition of the preposition "about".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "explain about" appears with considerable frequency across various sources, including news, science, and wikis, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags this usage as non-standard, recommending the omission of "about" after "explain". For clarity and correctness, it's best to use "explain" followed directly by the subject, or alternatives such as "give an explanation of" or "clarify". Avoiding "explain about" will help ensure your writing is perceived as professional and grammatically sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explain

Omission of "about" to adhere to standard grammatical usage. This change avoids the incorrect prepositional construction.

Give an explanation of

Replaces the verb "explain" with a noun phrase construction, emphasizing the act of providing an explanation.

Clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand, indicating a more direct approach to explaining.

Elaborate on

Suggests a more detailed and thorough explanation than a simple "explain".

Expound on

Indicates a formal and extensive explanation, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Describe

Shifts the focus to providing a detailed account of something, rather than strictly explaining its meaning or function.

Tell me about

Changes the structure to a request for information, which may include an explanation.

Account for

Focuses on providing reasons or justifications for something, which can overlap with explaining.

Shed light on

Emphasizes making something clearer or more understandable, often used when the topic is complex or obscure.

Illustrate

Indicates that the explanation will involve examples or visual aids to enhance understanding.

FAQs

Why is "explain about" considered grammatically incorrect?

The verb "explain" typically takes a direct object without needing the preposition "about". Using "explain about" is redundant and doesn't conform to standard English grammar.

What are some alternatives to "explain about"?

Instead of "explain about", you can use alternatives like "explain", "give an explanation of", or "clarify" depending on the context.

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

Use "explain" followed directly by the subject you are describing. For example, "Can you explain the rules?" or "She explained her reasoning" are correct usages.

Is there a situation where "explain about" is acceptable?

While occasionally found in informal speech or writing, "explain about" is generally considered non-standard. It's best to avoid it in formal or professional contexts to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.