explain the purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify the reasons or objectives behind a certain action or concept. Example: "In your report, please explain the purposes of the new policy changes and how they will benefit the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He was asked to explain the purposes for which numerous checks had been drawn.

Cornell University

Inspired by the social theories of Émile Durkheim and the psychological theories of Wilhelm Wundt and others, the ultimate aim was no longer to discover the primitive origins of Western customs but rather to explain the purposes that were served by particular institutions or religious beliefs and practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 6b power will enable the FTC to secure the underlying documents, including strategic documents to explain the purposes of the transactions.

Huffington Post

For this reason, authors highlight the need to carefully explain the purposes of blood collection in the consent process and during research [ 27, 28].

BMC Medical Ethics

As they conclude: "What is needed is a dialogue with the public, to explain the purposes of biobanks and how they operate, and to give people an opportunity to voice their concerns and conditions for their support and participation" [ 1].

BMC Medical Ethics

We organized several promotion and health campaigns in tolerance zones in order to explain the purposes of the study, introduce the study personnel to the community and to agree on areas in which the survey and clinical examinations could be performed.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Manafort declined to explain the purpose of his loans.

The New York Times

The Language Council has tried to explain the purpose of the list.

The Guardian - Tech

Senator Franken has asked Jobs to explain the purpose and extent of the iPhone's tracking.

The Guardian - Tech

But he refuses to explain the purpose of the secretive partnerships.

The Guardian

Now it is trying to explain the purpose of the election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the purposes", ensure you clearly define what needs explaining and to whom. A lack of clarity can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid providing overly broad explanations that do not address the specific purposes. Be direct and concise to ensure the audience understands the core objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the purposes" functions primarily as a request for clarification or elaboration. It prompts someone to provide a detailed account of the reasons or objectives behind a particular action, plan, or concept. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain the purposes" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for requesting clarification of objectives or reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears in a range of contexts, notably Science, News & Media, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and conciseness to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "clarify the objectives" or "detail the reasons" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to tailor your explanation to your audience's understanding for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the objectives

Focuses on making the goals more understandable.

elucidate the aims

Implies a more thorough and insightful explanation of the goals.

detail the reasons

Concentrates on providing comprehensive reasons behind something.

describe the intentions

Focuses on outlining the intended actions and motivations.

outline the goals

Suggests a more structured and organized presentation of the objectives.

specify the rationale

Emphasizes providing a clear and logical basis for something.

present the motivations

Highlights the driving forces or desires behind an action.

demystify the whys

Suggests simplifying and making the reasons less confusing.

unveil the motives

Implies revealing hidden or less obvious reasons.

break down the objectives

Involves dissecting the goals into smaller, more manageable parts for better understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain the purposes" when you need someone to clarify the reasons or objectives behind something. For example, "Could you please explain the purposes of this new project?"

What are some alternatives to "explain the purposes"?

Alternatives include "clarify the objectives", "detail the reasons", or "describe the intentions". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is it better to say "explain the purpose" or "explain the purposes"?

Use "explain the purpose" when referring to a single, overarching reason. Use "explain the purposes" when there are multiple reasons or objectives to be clarified.

How do I ensure my explanation of purposes is effective?

Be clear, concise, and provide relevant context. Consider your audience and tailor your explanation to their level of understanding. Using examples can also help clarify the purposes.