explain answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain answer" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to request clarification or elaboration on a specific answer, but it lacks proper grammatical structure. Example: "Can you explain the answer to question three in more detail?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When journalist Tracey Curro pointed out the actual figures about Australia's population of Asian-origin in an interview it prompted Hanson's famous "please explain" answer to the follow-up question about whether she was xenophobic.

The Guardian

U guesses or does not attempt to explain answer.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Suddenly, my daughter asks: "What's passion mean, Mama?" My son, interrupting my chance to explain, answers, "It's when you're really into something".

The New York Times

On the other hand, the redistributive effect of the tax system in the participant's own country could explain answers in the way that respondents just "confirm" the system in which they live.

SERIEs

Just over one-fourth of high school seniors could correctly choose and explain answers about heating and cooling.

Huffington Post

SKILLD was chosen because it provides measures of diabetes knowledge that are more independent of the literacy status, as it does not require reading tasks and the patients are allowed to explain answers in their own words.

BMJ Open

It can help to go over practice questions and passages with a buddy so that you can explain answers to each other.

WikiHow

In our sample, LAs explained answers to students, using reasoning, in 50% of their discussions.

CBE Life Sciences Education

(Circle answer)   Yes   No (B) Please explain your answer (Write answer in space provided) ……………………………………… How old are you?

BioMed Research International

(Circle answer)   Yes   No Yes No (B) Please explain your answer (Write answer in space provided) ……………………………………….

BioMed Research International

Most multiple-choice and true/false questions also required a short-answer response explaining the answer choice, from which reasoning type (i.e., informal, mixed, or principled scientific reasoning) could be determined.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for clarification, use grammatically correct phrases such as "explain the answer" or "clarify your response" to ensure clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "explain answer" as it lacks grammatical structure and clarity. Always use complete sentences or grammatically correct phrases to ensure your request is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a request for clarification or a more detailed explanation of a response. However, it lacks the necessary grammatical structure to effectively convey this meaning. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind the phrase "explain answer" is understandable as a request for clarification, it's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and professional communication. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrectness, suggesting that more appropriate alternatives like "explain the answer" or "clarify your response" should be used to ensure clear and effective communication. Despite some examples found across various sources like news, science, and wikis, its limited frequency and grammatical issues deem it an unsuitable choice for precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the answer

Adds the definite article "the" for grammatical correctness.

clarify the answer

Replaces "explain" with "clarify" for a more precise meaning.

elaborate on the answer

Uses "elaborate on" to suggest a more detailed explanation.

provide an explanation for the answer

Offers a more formal and complete phrasing.

can you explain your answer

Asks directly for an explanation of the previously provided answer.

explain what you mean by that answer

Specifies the need to understand the intended meaning of the response.

give a rationale for the answer

Focuses on providing the reasoning behind the answer.

what is the reasoning behind your answer

Similar to "rationale", but posed as a question.

justify the answer

Suggests a need to defend or validate the answer.

walk me through your answer

Asks for a step-by-step explanation of the thought process.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically correct way to say "explain answer"?

Instead of "explain answer", use phrases like "explain the answer", "clarify the answer", or "elaborate on the answer" for better clarity.

How to use "explain answer" in a sentence correctly?

The phrase "explain answer" isn't grammatically correct. A correct sentence would be, "Can you explain the answer?" or "Please explain your answer."

What can I say instead of "explain answer" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, use alternatives like "provide an explanation for the answer" or "justify the answer" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "explain answer" and "explain the answer"?

"Explain answer" is grammatically incorrect. "Explain the answer" is the correct way to phrase the request, using the definite article "the" to specify which answer you are referring to.