explain in terms of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain in terms of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to clarify a concept by relating it to another idea or framework. For example, "You can explain the phenomenon in terms of its underlying principles." Alternative expressions include "clarify using" and "describe with reference to."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nowadays, this is easy enough to explain in terms of comparative advantage.

The Economist

This result appears difficult to explain in terms of existing theories of recollection and familiarity.

Cortex

She lost for reasons that I tried to explain in terms of my colloquy with Mr. Lowell.

The New York Times

The iconoclasts, on the other hand, explain, in terms of ancient Antiochene Christology, that the image conflicts with the ecclesiastical dogma of the Person of the Redeemer.

Britannica

Certainly it is imperfect, but it is less imperfect than it used to be.The pattern of pay over the past few years is also hard to explain in terms of governance.

The Economist

Complex gene rearrangements involving a combination of deletions and insertions have always been most difficult to detect, to specify precisely and hence to explain in terms of their underlying mutational mechanisms.

Mutation Research-Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even misbehavior is explained in terms of one's masculinity.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually, it is explained in terms of resources.

The Guardian - Sport

Risk loving may also be explained in terms of status.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These results are finally explained in terms of molecular mobility.

Polymer

The observed trends are explained in terms of phenomenological steps.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "explain in terms of", ensure that the framework or concept you are using for explanation is clearly defined for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "explain in terms of" without specifying what you are explaining something in terms of; be explicit. For example, instead of saying 'We can explain it in terms of the data', say 'We can explain it in terms of the available data regarding climate change'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain in terms of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the perspective, framework, or context used to provide an explanation. It serves to clarify how something is being understood or interpreted. The examples provided by Ludwig show this phrase used in various academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain in terms of" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a framework or perspective when offering an explanation. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a range of sources, shows that this phrase is used across diverse fields, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what framework or concept you are using for explanation. Common alternatives include "elucidate with respect to" and "interpret within the framework of", but "explain in terms of" remains a versatile and effective choice for providing context and depth to your explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate with respect to

Focuses on clarifying something by relating it to a particular aspect.

interpret within the framework of

Highlights the use of a specific theoretical or conceptual framework.

account for by referencing

Emphasizes providing an explanation by citing a particular source or factor.

clarify using the lens of

Suggests a specific perspective or viewpoint is used for understanding.

define in the context of

Highlights defining something based on a particular situation or environment.

understand through the perspective of

Focuses on gaining understanding by adopting a specific viewpoint.

attribute to in light of

Emphasizes assigning a cause or characteristic based on new information.

resolve in connection with

Suggests finding a solution or explanation by linking it to something else.

decipher by means of

Highlights the use of a specific method or tool for interpreting something.

demonstrate with regard to

Focuses on showing or proving something in relation to a particular factor.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "explain in terms of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "elucidate with respect to", "interpret within the framework of", or "account for by referencing". These options, like "interpret within the framework of", often convey a sense of scholarly analysis or detailed interpretation.

What's a simpler way to say "explain in terms of"?

If you want a simpler alternative to "explain in terms of", try using phrases like "clarify using", "describe with reference to", or even just "explain using". These alternatives, such as "describe with reference to", are generally easier to understand.

Is it always necessary to follow "explain" with "in terms of"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can often directly state what you're explaining something with, such as "explain using this model" or "explain based on this theory". The "in terms of" construction is helpful when you want to specifically emphasize the perspective or framework you are using.

Can I use "explain by" instead of "explain in terms of"?

While "explain by" can sometimes work, it often implies a direct causal relationship rather than an interpretive framework. For example, "explain the results by the experimental conditions" is valid, while "explain the results "in terms of" the experimental conditions" focuses on the interpretation of the results.