explain again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain again" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to repeat or clarify information that was previously provided. Example: "Could you please explain again how the new software works? I didn't quite understand the first time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I explain again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Let me explain again.

The Guardian

"You want to order pizza?" I explain again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And also, if you can just explain again about that cream you were talking about.

Cornell University

"James Fields," you will hear whites explain again and again, "is one of us".

The New York Times - Magazine

I explain again what it's for and she takes it off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And then he explained again.

Harvard Business Review

What are you doing?" The boy explained again.

The New Yorker

And I explained again that the book wasn't like that.

The New Yorker

No, the workers at H & H Midtown Bagels East explained again and again, our store is not closing.

The New York Times

Mr. Shah explained that it could not happen, and then explained again to the neighbor's wife.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "explain again", be specific about which part you need clarified to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "explain again" if the person has never explained it before. Instead, simply ask for an explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain again" functions primarily as a request for clarification or repetition of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. It prompts someone to reiterate or elaborate on a previous explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain again" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to request clarification or repetition of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and appropriate for use. Analysis of various sources shows it appears frequently in News & Media and Academic settings. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the point needing clarification. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives exist for professional contexts. Overall, "explain again" is a versatile and readily understood way to ask for further explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Repeat the explanation

Simply asks for the explanation to be said once more.

Reiterate the explanation

Focuses on repeating the explanation, suitable when the original explanation was already clear but needs reinforcement.

Could you clarify that

Emphasizes the need for making something clearer, especially when the original explanation was confusing.

Say that again please

A more direct request for repetition, often used in informal settings.

Provide a further explanation

A formal way of asking for more details or clarification.

Rephrase that, please

Suggests the original wording was unclear and needs to be said in a different way.

Expound on that further

Implies a need for more detailed explanation or elaboration.

Walk me through it again

Suggests a step-by-step explanation is needed, often for processes or procedures.

Can you elaborate

Asks for more detail to be added to the original explanation.

Offer another explanation

Suggests there may be alternative interpretations or reasons.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "explain again"?

Use "explain again" when someone has already attempted to explain something, but you still need further clarification or repetition. It implies a prior explanation was given but was not fully understood.

What are some alternatives to saying "explain again"?

You can use alternatives like "reiterate the explanation", "clarify that", or "say that again" depending on the context.

Is "explain again" formal or informal?

"Explain again" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional contexts.

How can I politely ask someone to "explain again"?

Frame your request with phrases like "Could you please explain again...?" or "Would you mind explaining again...?" to be more polite.