explain carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a detailed and thorough explanation of a topic or concept. Example: "Please explain carefully how the process works so that everyone can understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I think Mr Abe needs to explain carefully why these changes are needed," he says.

Independent

Better to explain carefully why high inflation is likely to prove temporary than to indulge in "futile gestures", he said.

The Economist

Isn't that why patients seek out doctors with lots of experience who will explain carefully why they are taking exception to available data in their treatment decisions?

The New York Times

The first thing we do with new journalists nowadays is explain carefully that it's spelt G-U-A-R-D-I-A-N, not "Grauniad", so I feel we are making progress.

The Guardian - Books

There was a time when an unfavorable note sent home from a teacher forced most parents to sit the miscreant down and explain carefully what would happen if there were a repeat of this sort of thing.

The New York Times

The problem with setting interest rates in this way adjusting the inflation target for asset-price misalignments is that it is harder to explain to the markets and the public than a strict inflation target.Central banks would have to explain carefully why they are temporarily missing their inflation targets.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Analogies have to be chosen and explained carefully.

The Guardian - Books

"So that's when I said, 'Well, well, well,' " Tara explained carefully to Detective Oakwood.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In the black community, these things are frowned upon," he explains, carefully.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The lady's not for turning" had to be explained carefully, and only went into the speech on sufferance.

The Guardian

I explained carefully what it contained, what my role was with the company and what was in the gas can.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task, use "explain carefully" to emphasize the importance of thoroughness and precision in their explanation, ensuring complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who is doing the explaining. Instead of "It needs to be explained carefully", opt for "You must "explain carefully" the process."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain carefully" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adding emphasis to the manner in which something should be explained. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase. The examples from Ludwig show it used to instruct someone to provide a thorough and detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain carefully" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase used to modify a verb, underscoring the importance of providing thorough and detailed explanations. As noted by Ludwig, its function is to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Scientific contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone. When using "explain carefully", remember to use active voice to ensure the clarity of who is performing the explaining. Consider alternatives like "elaborate thoroughly" or "clarify in detail" for a nuanced message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate thoroughly

Focuses more on expanding the explanation with significant detail.

clarify in detail

Emphasizes making something easier to understand by providing specific information.

detail meticulously

Highlights the precision and thoroughness in providing details.

spell out precisely

Implies a need for clarity, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

articulate comprehensively

Stresses the ability to express something fully and understandably.

present clearly

Highlights the ease of understanding for the audience.

describe exhaustively

Focuses on covering all aspects of a subject with no details omitted.

break down meticulously

Emphasizes the analysis and detailed examination of individual parts.

walk through methodically

Highlights a structured step-by-step explanation.

elucidate thoroughly

Focuses on making something obscure clear and understandable.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain carefully" to emphasize the need for a thorough and detailed explanation. For example: "The teacher had to "explain carefully" the rules of the game to the new students."

What are some alternatives to "explain carefully"?

Alternatives include "elaborate thoroughly", "clarify in detail", or "detail meticulously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "explain carefully" or "explain thoroughly"?

Both phrases are correct, but "explain carefully" emphasizes precision and attention to detail, while "explain thoroughly" stresses completeness. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What does it mean to "explain carefully"?

To "explain carefully" means to provide a detailed and precise explanation, ensuring that the listener or reader fully understands the subject matter without any ambiguity or confusion.