explain how it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain how it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or describe a situation or condition as it currently exists. Example: "Can you explain how it is that we are facing these challenges in the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They explain how it is organised from the top.

The Economist

GROUP 5: BIOMASS ENERGY -Define biomass energy, and explain how it is a renewable source.

The New York Times

GROUP 3: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY -Define geothermal energy, and explain how it is a renewable source.

The New York Times

GROUP 4: WATER ENERGY -Define water energy, and explain how it is a renewable source.

The New York Times

GROUP 2: WIND ENERGY -Define wind energy, and explain how it is a renewable source.

The New York Times

He could not explain how it is that mind and body are united, but he was sure that they were.

The New Yorker

The Bank needs to ask why it made mistakes*, and explain how it is learning from them, he adds.

The Guardian - Business

When you build on a greenfield site, it is easy to show what you are doing and to explain how it is new.

The New York Times

The patriarch cannot quite explain how it is that four of his progeny followed him to the N.F.L., but he believes the numbers will grow.

The New York Times - Sports

He must explain how it is that he is a German named Erik Schroder, when Laura knew him only as Eric Kennedy from Twelve Hills.

The Guardian - Books

Now the commissioning board has to explain how it is going to fulfil the promise of "a new style of leadership".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain how it is", ensure your explanation is clear, concise, and directly addresses the specific question or situation. Avoid ambiguity and provide sufficient context for the reader to understand the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language or jargon when trying to "explain how it is", particularly if your audience is not familiar with the subject matter. Use simpler terms and analogies to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain how it is" functions as an interrogative clause used to request a detailed description or clarification of a situation or condition. It prompts someone to provide an explanation of the current state of affairs. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain how it is" serves as a versatile interrogative tool, commonly used across diverse contexts to request a detailed description or clarification of a situation. Ludwig's analysis shows it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its wide acceptance and usability. When using this phrase, clarity and simplicity are key to effective communication. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a reliable option for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify how it is

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making something easier to understand.

elucidate how it is

Uses "elucidate" instead of "explain", suggesting a more detailed and insightful explanation.

describe the way it is

Shifts the focus to a descriptive approach rather than an explanatory one.

detail how it is

Emphasizes providing a comprehensive account of the current situation.

expound on how it is

Suggests a more thorough and elaborate explanation.

interpret the state of affairs

Focuses on providing an interpretation or understanding of the situation.

outline the situation

Provides a summary or overview of the current state.

account for the circumstances

Focuses on providing reasons or justifications for the current state.

spell out the details

Suggests providing very specific and clear information.

break down the elements

Focuses on analyzing and explaining the individual components of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "explain how it is" in a sentence?

Use "explain how it is" to request clarification or a detailed description of a situation. For instance, "Could you explain how it is that the project is behind schedule?"

What are some alternative phrases for "explain how it is"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify how it is", "elucidate how it is", or "describe the way it is" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "explain how it is" or "explain how it works"?

"Explain how it is" focuses on describing the current state or situation, while "explain how it works" focuses on the mechanism or process. The choice depends on whether you need a description of the situation or an explanation of a process.

What's the difference between "explain how it is" and "explain why it is"?

"Explain how it is" seeks a description of the current state, while "explain why it is" seeks the reasons or causes behind that state. For example, "explain how it is that sales are down" asks for a description of the situation, while "explain why it is that sales are down" asks for the reasons for the decline.