explain it again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain it again" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want someone to clarify or repeat an explanation for better understanding. For example, "I didn't quite understand the concept; could you explain it again?" Alternative expressions include "repeat that" and "clarify that again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Legal & Judicial

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Let me explain something to you once, Mr. Bruno, and I will not explain it again," Judge Sharpe said, visibly infuriated.

The New York Times

Or do I have to explain it again?" Teaming her with Dr. Laura Schlesinger would relieve Michaels of any need to speak and capture more female viewers.

The New York Times - Sports

It's important to make every effort to welcome new colleagues, listen to their concerns and opinions and address as many as possible; to patiently explain the direction in which the organisation is planning to go and if necessary explain it again and again.

The Guardian

Mick McAteer, of Which?, recommends asking: 'Am I getting access to the whole market, or are you going to recommend what could be better for you and your profit margins than it is for me?' ·If you are unclear about the relationship between your adviser and the companies whose products they are recommending, ask them to explain it again.

The Guardian - Money

Just in case you haven't made the point in years of working together, explain it again, as eloquently as possible, in your dossier.

Science Magazine

Let explain it again".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Still, explaining it again brings tears to Mr. Frois's eyes.

The New York Times

Some students struggled to understand the table, and he explained it again — until Ashley Tran, a 15-year-old sophomore, interrupted.

The New York Times

As DeLillo explains it (again to the Paris Review): "As technology advances in complexity and scope, fear becomes more primitive".

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately, National Amusements was not very clear on this point at the hearing, so it will have to do a good job explaining it again to the judge.

The New York Times

'I think with (lecturers name) he explained it and when we didn't understand he explained it again exactly the same and we didn't understand it so he explained it again and he didn't think how can I change this because they are not getting it.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, pair the phrase with 'could you' or 'would you mind' to maintain a polite tone while asking for clarification.

Common error

Avoid placing 'again' between the verb and the object, such as saying 'explain again it'. Standard English syntax requires the object pronoun 'it' to follow the verb immediately before the adverb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain it again" serves as a verb phrase used to request or describe the act of clarifying information a second or subsequent time. According to Ludwig, it follows a standard transitive verb structure where 'explain' is the action, 'it' is the direct object, and 'again' is the temporal adverb modifying the verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Legal

3%

Literature

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain it again" is a perfectly correct and highly useful English phrase for seeking clarity. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in educational, judicial, and journalistic contexts, confirming its reliability across different registers. While the phrase is simple, its effectiveness lies in its directness. When using it, remember that the object 'it' must always precede the adverb 'again'. For those seeking more variety or a more polite tone in a professional environment, alternatives like "clarify that once more" or "go over it again" are excellent choices. Whether in a classroom or a courtroom, this phrase remains a foundational tool for effective communication and learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify that again

Focuses on making the content clearer rather than just repeating the same words.

go over it again

A very common phrasal verb alternative used in educational and casual settings.

repeat the explanation

Uses a more formal noun-based structure suitable for professional contexts.

walk me through it again

Suggests a step-by-step re-explanation of a complex process.

re-explain the concept

Uses a prefix for conciseness; more common in academic or technical writing.

run through it one more time

An idiomatic and slightly more informal way to request a recap.

elaborate once more

Implies that more detail is needed, not just a simple repetition.

restate that for me

Focuses on the verbal delivery of the information.

simplify it once again

Adds a specific requirement for the second explanation to be easier to understand.

paraphrase that for clarity

Asks the speaker to use different words to explain the same thing.

FAQs

How to use "explain it again" in a sentence?

You can use it as a request or a statement of action. For example, "If you don't understand, just ask your teacher to "explain it again"" or "I had to "explain it again" that it was a gift".

What can I say instead of "explain it again"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "clarify that again", "go over it again", or "walk me through it again" for more detail.

Which is correct: "explain it again" or "repeat it again"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "repeat it again" is sometimes criticized as redundant because 'repeat' already implies doing something again. "explain it again" is often preferred for clarity.

Is "explain it again" polite enough for work?

On its own, it can sound like a command. To make it more professional, soften it by saying "Could you please "explain that one more time"?" or "I would appreciate it if you could "explain it again"".