explain the message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or provide details about a specific message or communication. Example: "Could you please explain the message you received from the client during the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This may help explain the message he sent, on Twitter, as the news broke: a smiley-face emoji.

The New Yorker

This may help explain the message he sent, on Twitter, as the news broke: a  smiley-face emoji.

The New Yorker

Asked to explain the message, Mr Cameron told Lord Justice Leveson: "The Sun wanted to make sure it was helping the Conservative Party put its best foot forward with the policies we were announcing, the speech I was making.

Independent

Asked to explain the message behind this year's offering, a sad story of a hibernating bear forced from his well-earned slumber by a manically acquisitive rabbit, he gave a truly grisly explanation.

Independent

Law enforcement officials have taken the unusual step of speaking directly to the suspect or suspects at news conferences, asking them to call 911 to talk to the police and explain the message behind the attacks.

The New York Times

Comprehension, reasoning, and planning can be tested, for example, by asking about the similarities and differences between two objects (e.g., child and dwarf, wall and fence) or by asking the patient to explain the message or moral contained in a proverb (e.g., "People in glass houses should not throw stones").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Coaxing villagers to make the solution with their own hands and explain the messages in their own words, while a trainer observed and guided them, achieved far more than any public-service ad or instructional video could have done.

The New Yorker

You need to plan and execute a professional branding campaign to introduce and explain the messages and then reinforce them by weaving the brand into the fabric of the company.

Harvard Business Review

She will break the world into ten different "cultural clusters" and explain the messages, strategies, and tactics that work best within each of them – from the need to convey emotion in the Arab world to the importance of enlisting independent social media influencers in China.

Columbia University

His writings explain the messages behind current events and cultural sensations.

Huffington Post

This week, Belichick explained the message he was sending his team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the message", ensure the context makes it clear which message you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source or content of the message.

Common error

Avoid using "explain the message" when the message is already clear. Over-explanation can make your writing sound patronizing or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the message" functions as a request or statement concerning the clarification of a communication's meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often serves as a prompt for further detail or interpretation, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain the message" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request or provide clarification of a communication. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its correct usage across various contexts. While "explain the message" is generally acceptable, be mindful of context, also, alternative phrases such as "interpret the message" or "clarify the message" may be more suitable in certain situations. The phrase sees frequent use in news media and scientific discussions, maintaining a neutral tone. Its communicative purpose lies in ensuring understanding and resolving ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate the message

Focuses on expressing the message clearly and effectively.

interpret the message

Emphasizes understanding the meaning behind the message.

convey the message

Highlights the act of successfully transmitting the message to someone.

clarify the message

Focuses on making the message more understandable.

elucidate the message

Implies a more thorough and detailed explanation.

decipher the message

Suggests the message is difficult to understand and requires decoding.

demystify the message

Focuses on removing confusion or mystery from the message.

break down the message

Implies simplifying a complex message into smaller, more understandable parts.

spell out the message

Suggests explaining the message in very explicit terms, leaving no room for ambiguity.

unpack the message

Implies a detailed exploration of the various aspects and implications of the message.

FAQs

What is another way to say "explain the message"?

You can use phrases like "interpret the message", "clarify the message", or "articulate the message" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use it to ask someone to clarify a communication, such as "Could you please explain the message you received from the client?" or to describe the act of clarifying, as in "The article will explain the message behind the president's speech".

Is it redundant to say "explain the message"?

While the phrase is generally acceptable, be mindful of context. If the message is inherently straightforward, consider whether a simpler term like "describe" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "explain the message" and "understand the message"?

"Explain the message" implies a process of making something clear or comprehensible, while "understand the message" refers to the state of having grasped its meaning. You might ask someone to "explain the message" so that you can "understand the message".