explain for

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English that is used to ask someone to explain something further.
For example: "Can you please explain for me why this decision was made?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It fails to explain, for example, knock-knock jokes.

The New Yorker

As they explain, for 40 years the Greek Cypriots have been masters of their own house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police officials have often cited common crime to explain for past attacks against human rights workers.

The New York Times

Does it explain, for example, the rise to political office of Sarah Palin?

The Guardian - Opinion

This may explain, for example, the common experience many have after a minor accident.

The New York Times - Health

Nick Paumgarten mentioned Lou-bots, so allow me to explain for the benefit of the uninitiated.

The New Yorker

It is never easy to explain for sure what determines a shift of mood.

The New York Times - Arts

This helps explain, for example, Germany's aversion to war and its relatively lenient criminal-justice system.

The New York Times - Books

Can they explain, for example, why camels or cacti are well suited to life in the desert?

The Guardian

He was a top scientist but empirical research didn't explain for him what it meant to be human.

The Guardian - Books

This may help explain, for example, the success of the advice that back specialists now commonly give.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain for" when you want someone to clarify a specific aspect or reason behind something. For example, "Explain for me why this decision was made."

Common error

Be mindful of using overly complex language when asking for an explanation. Strive for clarity and conciseness in your request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain for" functions primarily as a request for clarification or explanation. It seeks to understand the underlying reasons or specifics behind a statement or action. Ludwig shows that it's often used to prompt someone to provide details that enhance comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain for" is a frequently used and grammatically sound way to request clarification or a more detailed explanation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally considered correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts and serves to elicit a deeper understanding of a topic or decision. While versatile, users should consider the level of formality required for their specific context, opting for alternatives like "clarify" or "elucidate" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an explanation

More formal way to offer clarification.

please clarify

More direct request for clarification.

give reasons for

Focuses on providing justifications or causes.

describe in detail

Focuses on providing a comprehensive account.

spell out

Implies explaining something very clearly and simply.

interpret

Emphasizes understanding and conveying meaning.

elucidate

Suggests making something clearer and easier to understand.

break it down

Informal way to ask for a simpler explanation.

offer insight into

Implies sharing a deeper understanding.

shed light on

Suggests making something easier to see or understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain for" when requesting clarification on a specific point. For example, "Could you explain for me the reasoning behind this change?"

What phrases are similar to "explain for"?

Alternatives include "clarify", "describe in detail", or "elucidate" depending on the context.

Is "explain for" considered formal or informal?

"Explain for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "provide an explanation" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

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

"Explain for" often implies a request for a specific reason or aspect to be clarified, while "explain" is a more general request for understanding. For example, "Explain the concept" versus "Explain for me why this concept is important."