explain this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clarify or provide more information about a specific topic or item. Example: "I don't understand this concept; can you please explain this?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The IOM's report helps explain this.

The Economist

How to explain this?

The Economist

He can't explain this.

The New Yorker

Two things explain this.

The Economist

What could explain this?

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me explain this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This may help explain today's divorce rates, she said.

The New York Times - Science

Does this illustrative tale explain last week's IPO flop?

The Guardian - Business

Let me explain: last year, I product-binged.

The Times

How then to explain today's endorsement?

The New York Times

"It's exciting but difficult to explain today," said Andrzej.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain this" when you need someone to clarify a specific point or provide additional information. Be direct and concise in your request.

Common error

While "explain this" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "provide an explanation for this" or "clarify this matter" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain this" primarily functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to provide an explanation or clarification. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig, where it's used to solicit understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain this" serves as a direct and imperative request for clarification. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts. While acceptable in various settings, adapting to more formal alternatives like "clarify this" or "elaborate on this" may be preferable for professional writing. Remembering this and the potential for overuse is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify this

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making something easier to understand.

elaborate on this

Substitutes "explain" with "elaborate", emphasizing the need for more detail.

can you explain this

Adds a polite request by directly asking for an explanation.

could you explain this

Uses "could" instead of "can" for a slightly more formal and polite request.

shed light on this

Employs a metaphor to request an explanation that illuminates understanding.

provide an explanation for this

Uses a more formal and verbose phrasing to request an explanation.

give an explanation for this

Replaces "provide" with "give" maintaining a formal request for explanation.

what is the explanation for this

Transforms the request into a direct question about the explanation.

account for this

Uses "account for" as an alternative to "explain", implying a need to justify or rationalize.

decode this

Replaces "explain" with "decode", suggesting a need to decipher or understand something complex.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain this" when you want someone to clarify something you don't understand. For example, "I'm not sure I follow, could you please "explain this"?"

What are some alternatives to "explain this"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "clarify this", "elaborate on this", or "provide an explanation for this" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "explain this to me" instead of "explain this"?

Yes, "explain this to me" is grammatically correct and adds a personal element to the request. However, ""explain this"" is more direct and concise.

When is it appropriate to use "explain this" in writing?

"Explain this" is suitable for informal communication. For formal writing, consider using alternatives that convey a more professional tone, such as "could you explain this" or "shed light on this".