explain the circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'explain the circumstances' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is used to ask someone to provide an explanation or a description of a situation or event. For example, you could say: "Can you please explain the circumstances behind the delay?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Could you explain the circumstances?

The New Yorker

I do not need to have him explain the circumstances.

The New York Times

Will I be able to explain the circumstances?

The New York Times

He tried to explain the circumstances, but his voice sounded defensive.

The New Yorker

"I'm not going to speculate because it's for the government to explain the circumstances.

The Guardian

There doesn't appear to be anywhere to explain the circumstances, but would it matter anyhow?

The New York Times

While striking and sad, the video does not explain the circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that Parliament had invited several senior members of the security forces to explain the circumstances surrounding the death.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Postponing the question gives a prospective employee an opportunity to explain the circumstances of the crime, to point out how long it has been since it was committed, and to present evidence of rehabilitation.

HuffPost

(1) The burden of proof rests with the State to fully explain the circumstances and events that constitute reasonable cause for its failure to meet a requirement.

Cornell University

Much better for you to hold your head up high and explain the circumstances exactly, without emotion and factually.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the circumstances" in formal writing, ensure your explanation is thorough, objective, and supported by evidence. Avoid personal opinions or biases.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying when you "explain the circumstances". Ensure you address all relevant factors and nuances to provide a complete and accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the circumstances" functions as a verb phrase used to request or offer a detailed account of a situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain the circumstances" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that requests a thorough and detailed account of a situation. Ludwig AI verifies its broad applicability across diverse writing styles. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and collaborative wikis. To effectively use the phrase, ensure your explanation is complete, objective, and free from oversimplifications. Alternatives like "describe the situation" or "provide context" can be employed depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an explanation

Is a more general way of asking for information.

describe the situation

Emphasizes giving an overview of the conditions.

provide context

Stresses giving the background information necessary to understand.

detail the events

Focuses on providing a detailed account of what happened.

clarify the reasons

Highlights making the underlying causes more understandable.

shed light on the issue

Focuses on revealing information that clarifies a confusing situation.

account for the details

Focuses on providing an explanation for specific elements.

elucidate the matter

Highlights making the issue clearer and more comprehensible.

spell out the specifics

Emphasizes providing very precise and detailed information.

walk through the process

Focuses on explaining each step of how something happened.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the circumstances" to request a detailed account of a situation, for example: "Could you please "explain the circumstances" that led to the project's failure?"

What are some alternatives to "explain the circumstances"?

Alternatives include "describe the situation", "clarify the reasons", or "provide context", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "explain the circumstances"?

It's appropriate in situations where a clear and comprehensive understanding of the events, conditions, or factors surrounding a particular issue is needed. This includes formal reports, investigations, and detailed discussions.

What's the difference between "explain the circumstances" and "give an explanation"?

"Explain the circumstances" implies a more detailed and contextual account, while "give an explanation" can be a more general request for clarification or reasoning.