explain the concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the concept" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to ask someone to provide a clear explanation or understanding of a specific idea or theory. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: "Can you please explain the concept of supply and demand in economics to me? I am having trouble understanding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Agüera y Arcas explain the concept in the video below.

MIT Technology Review

Can you explain the concept behind this volume of poetry?

The New York Times - Books

Blond Stevie tried to explain the concept of rhyming, but Big Joe did not understand.

The New Yorker

"If you can't explain the concept in 15 seconds, then you are basically lost".

The New York Times

Possibly somebody needs to sit somebody down and explain the concept of parody?

The Guardian

Waiters are desperate to explain the "concept" and are ever-present.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

If your internship was quantitative, please explain the concepts and clarify using equations or technical appendix.

Columbia University

While older materials may explain the concepts adequately, they might be missing key changes.

Forbes

Students need to write more essays and orally explain the concepts they have learned.

Huffington Post

Get the child to explain the concepts, ideas.

WikiHow

A video from Otis explains the concept).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with an analogy or a real-world example to make the explanation more accessible.

Common error

A frequent stylistic error is using the word 'concept' when referring to a simple physical object or a self-explanatory action. For example, 'explain the concept of this pencil' is unnecessarily wordy and abstract; simply 'explain this pencil's features' or 'describe the pencil' is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the concept" functions as a transitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to signal the transition from naming an abstract idea to detailing its internal logic or external application. It acts as an instructional or exploratory bridge in communicative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Social Media

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain the concept" is a highly effective and grammatically correct linguistic tool for introducing abstract ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread adoption across prestigious news and academic platforms, where it serves as a clear marker for educational or analytical content. Whether you are writing a scientific paper or a journalistic piece, using this phrase helps set clear expectations for the reader. While it is predominantly formal, its neutrality allows it to fit into most professional settings. To improve your writing, consider using more specific alternatives like "elucidate the principle" when a more sophisticated tone is required, but rely on "explain the concept" for reliable, clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate the idea

Higher formality, often used in academic contexts to mean shedding light on something obscure.

clarify the notion

Focuses on removing ambiguity or misunderstanding from a specific thought or belief.

explicate the theory

Highly formal and specialized, typically involving a detailed analytical breakdown.

describe the principle

Shifts focus to the fundamental rules or laws underlying a system.

break down the model

More casual and educational, suggesting a step-by-step simplification of a complex structure.

expound upon the logic

Suggests a lengthy and thorough explanation of the reasoning involved.

articulate the vision

Specific to strategic or creative contexts where a future goal is being communicated.

outline the framework

Emphasizes the structural or conceptual boundaries rather than the inner details.

demystify the process

Implies that the subject was previously seen as difficult or intimidatingly complex.

define the construct

Technical phrasing used frequently in psychology and social sciences.

FAQs

How do I use "explain the concept" in a sentence?

You can use it to request clarification on a theory, such as: 'Could you please "explain the concept" of quantum entanglement?'. It is also common in descriptive writing, like: 'The professor used a simple diagram to "explain the concept"'.

What can I say instead of "explain the concept"?

Depending on your context, you might use alternatives like "elucidate the idea", "clarify the notion" or "break down the logic".

Is "explain the concept" considered formal English?

Yes, it is widely used in formal academic and professional writing. However, it is neutral enough to be used in journalism and everyday conversation when discussing abstract ideas.

What is the difference between "explain the concept" and "define the term"?

While "define the term" focuses on the literal meaning of a word, "explain the concept" focuses on the broader logic, mechanics or implications of an idea.