explain me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain me" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "explain to me," which is used when asking someone to clarify or provide information about something. Example: "Can you explain to me how this process works?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

My anatomy doesn't explain me though I may exist as one of its functions.

The New York Times

They don't know whether to cry for me, disown me or explain me," he laments late in the book.

The Guardian - Books

There is even one theory about why gay men and lesbians are rubbish at following directions, which would definitely explain me being unable to read a map.

The Guardian - Opinion

My attitude was, If they don't get it, I don't have to explain it, which was my way of saying that if they don't get me, I don't have to explain me.

The New Yorker

If I ever get an interview, I virtually kill myself trying to think of an excuse to leave the office that is both reasonable and would explain me being spotted by one of Big Boss's spies leaving a competitor's office in my one smart suit.

The Guardian - Money

These songs explain me better than I can explain them".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They explained me.

The New York Times

He explained me, "That was Chevrolet's market.

The New Yorker

"But this film does a great job of explaining me".

The New York Times - Arts

NeuCoin explained me why we need yet another new cryptocurrency.

TechCrunch

Yeah, little bit I read…He explained me nicely that time.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "explain to me" instead of "explain me" for correct grammar. "Explain to me" is the standard way to request clarification or information in English.

Common error

Do not omit the preposition 'to' when asking for an explanation. Saying "explain me" is grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward to native English speakers. Always phrase it as "explain to me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain me" functions as an imperative request for clarification. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically incorrect. Examples show attempts to convey a need for understanding or explanation, but the phrasing deviates from standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "explain me" is used to request clarification, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates the correct usage is "explain to me". Although examples can be found in various sources like the news, adhering to standard grammar is recommended. Alternatives such as "explain to me" or "can you explain to me" are more appropriate for clear and correct communication. It is important to note the "aiResponseStatus" suggests this is an incorrect phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain it to me

This alternative is a direct request for an explanation, with a clear subject and object.

please explain to me

This is a polite request for someone to provide an explanation.

can you explain to me

This phrases poses a question to someone to offer an explanation of something.

let me explain

This phrase indicates the speaker's intention to provide an explanation.

allow me to explain

Similar to 'let me explain' but more formal.

help me understand

Shifts the focus to understanding, rather than the act of explaining.

clarify for me

Suggests a need for something to be made clearer.

elucidate for me

A more formal way of asking for clarification.

walk me through it

Asks for a step-by-step explanation of a process or concept.

break it down for me

Implies simplifying a complex idea.

FAQs

Why is "explain me" considered grammatically incorrect?

In standard English grammar, the verb 'explain' requires the preposition 'to' when followed by an indirect object (the person being explained to). Therefore, the correct form is "explain to me", not "explain me".

What can I say instead of "explain me"?

Use alternatives like "explain to me", "can you explain to me", or "please explain to me" for grammatically correct requests for clarification.

Which is correct, "explain me" or "explain to me"?

"Explain to me" is the correct form. "Explain me" omits the necessary preposition 'to', making it grammatically incorrect.

How do I properly use "explain to me" in a sentence?

Use "explain to me" when you want someone to clarify or provide information. For example, "Could you explain to me how this works?"