explain on this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain on this" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "explain this" or "explain about this." Example: "Can you explain this concept further so I can understand it better?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Those opposite have a little to explain on this question.

The Guardian

Starting from that same assumption, Bach 1975 contends that 'I order you to clean the kitchen' is an assertion, and proceeds to explain on this basis how the speaker is indirectly also issuing an order.

SEP

Watch the video above to listen to Wednesday explain on this episode of Mondays with Marlo when women are more likely to divorce and what factors play into the length of an elite marriage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Who: Jay-Z & Coldplay What: New Year's Eve Concert Where: The Cosmopolitan - Las Vegas, NV When: 12/31/10 Why: Do I need to do much explaining on this one?

Huffington Post

Not much, according to Jeff Hardy and Derek Curtis, two vice-presidents at the software-management company SmarterTools, who explain on this week's podcast why your e-mail address is still a highly valued piece of personal information and why "free" e-mail isn't exactly free.

The New York Times

There are other mouse and keyboard shortcuts for Panorama and Tab Groups, explained on this help page.

The New York Times

(Jelani Cobb has explained on this site — and says so in the documentary as well — that Griffith responded with "inverted victimhood," issuing a pamphlet called "The Rise and Fall of Free Speech in America").

The New Yorker

Humm explained, "On this level, there is a limit for a chef of how many plates you can let go through your hands and make sure they're perfect".

The New Yorker

With characteristic sensitivity, she previously explained on This Morning that she planned to deliberately put on the weight to prove that overweight people should "stop blaming everyone else for problems they can control".

Independent

As Simon Johnson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently explained on this blog, studies show that perhaps a third of a tax rate cut might be recouped through higher growth, and only if spending is cut enough to keep the deficit from rising.

The New York Times

Various other observed characteristics can also be explained on this basis.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "explain this" instead of "explain on this" for grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "on" after the verb "explain" when referring to a specific subject. The correct usage is to directly follow "explain" with the subject, as in "explain this".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain on this" functions as a request for clarification or further information. However, it's grammatically flawed. As noted by Ludwig AI, standard English prefers "explain this". The intention is to seek an explanation about a particular subject or topic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "explain on this" might be understood, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests the correct alternative is "explain this". Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its usage is rare. For clear and formal communication, stick to the grammatically sound alternative, ensuring your message is both easily understood and professionally conveyed. Remember to avoid the preposition "on" after "explain" when referring to a specific subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain this

Omits the preposition "on", resulting in a grammatically correct and more common phrase.

explain about this

Replaces "on" with "about", creating a grammatically correct but less concise alternative.

clarify this

Substitutes "explain" with "clarify", offering a more direct and concise way to request clarification.

elaborate on this

Replaces "explain" with "elaborate", suggesting a more detailed explanation is desired.

expound on this

Uses "expound" instead of "explain", indicating a thorough and detailed explanation.

shed light on this

Employs a more figurative expression to suggest providing insight or understanding.

give details on this

Focuses on providing specific information or details about the subject.

offer an explanation of this

Provides a more formal and elaborate way of asking for an explanation.

provide insight into this

Suggests offering a deeper understanding or perspective on the matter.

walk me through this

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration is needed.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "explain on this"?

The correct way to phrase this is to say "explain this" or "explain about this". The preposition "on" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

Can I use "explain on" in other contexts?

The phrase "explain on" is generally not used in standard English. It's better to use alternatives such as "elaborate on" or "comment on" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "explain this" more formal than "explain about this"?

While both "explain this" and "explain about this" are grammatically correct, "explain this" is generally considered more concise and slightly more formal. The difference is minimal, and both are acceptable in most contexts.

What are some other ways to ask for clarification besides "explain this"?

Besides "explain this", you could ask someone to "clarify this", "elaborate on this", or "provide more details" depending on the level of detail you're seeking.