explain themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to clarify their thoughts, actions, or decisions, often in a context where their reasoning is questioned. Example: "When confronted about his actions, he was asked to explain themselves to the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They refused to explain themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they never explain themselves.

The New York Times - Books

Very few people can explain themselves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They will have to explain themselves," he said.

The New York Times

But they often must explain themselves to security officials.

The New York Times

Some believers tried to explain themselves to me.

The New York Times - Travel

"Ministers must explain themselves as a matter of urgency.

The Guardian

The most interesting part was to hear bidders explain themselves.

The New York Times

At first, Millennium students were reactive and judgmental as they watched Trump supporters explain themselves.

University of California, Berkeley

One idea is to ask the customer, and to turn down any who cannot explain themselves.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Why should the customer have to re-explain themselves to every department?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain themselves" when you need someone to provide reasons or justifications for their actions or decisions, especially when those actions are questioned or under scrutiny.

Common error

Ensure that the subject performing the action is also the recipient of the action. Avoid using "explain themselves" when the explanation is directed to someone else; in such cases, use "explain him/herself" or "explain to others".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explain themselves" is as a reflexive verb phrase. This indicates that the subject of the verb is also the recipient of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain themselves" is a versatile and commonly used reflexive verb phrase that is grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI. It serves to request or provide reasons and justifications for one's actions, beliefs, or decisions, particularly when those actions are being questioned. Found predominantly in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "justify their actions" or "give an account of their behavior" to achieve slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer an explanation

A general term for providing reasons or details to make something understandable.

justify their actions

Emphasizes providing a valid reason or excuse for something done, often in response to criticism.

provide a rationale

Focuses on giving a logical basis or justification for a decision or action.

give an account of their behavior

Focuses on providing a detailed report or explanation of one's conduct.

account for their decisions

Highlights the responsibility to explain and justify the choices made.

clarify their position

Highlights the need to make one's stance or viewpoint more understandable.

present their case

Suggests a more formal or argumentative explanation, often in a legal or persuasive context.

elucidate their motives

Stresses the act of making one's underlying reasons or intentions clear.

spell out their reasons

Implies a need for very clear and explicit explanation, leaving no room for ambiguity.

rationalize their conduct

Suggests an attempt to make one's behavior seem reasonable or acceptable, potentially after the fact.

FAQs

How can I use "explain themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "explain themselves" when individuals need to provide reasons for their actions or clarify their intentions. For instance, "The ministers must "explain themselves" as a matter of urgency."

What's an alternative to "explain themselves"?

Alternatives include "justify their actions", "give an account of their behavior", or "clarify their position", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "explain themselves"?

It is appropriate when someone's actions are being questioned, and they need to provide a rationale or justification. It suggests a need for clarification or defense of their behavior.

Is "explain themselves" formal or informal?

"Explain themselves" can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its appropriateness depends more on the context of the conversation or writing rather than the setting itself. You can see usage in sources such as The Guardian or The New York Times.