explain this to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain this to me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to clarify or provide more information about a specific topic or issue. Example: "I'm having trouble understanding the concept of quantum physics. Can you explain this to me?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Can anyone explain this to me?

University of California, Berkeley

Can anyone please explain this to me?

The New Yorker

Can you explain this to me?' That is just incredibly difficult to do.

The Guardian - Business

"Why don't you explain this to me like I am an eight-year-old," he says.

The New Yorker

I need a level-headed conservative to explain this to me, and Charles R. Kesler seems an excellent candidate.

The New York Times - Books

SHERRON WATKINS: And I was shocked that people could explain this to me with no concern in their voice.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

One boy explained this to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

My mum's explained this to me; she's a psychologist.

Independent

He explained this to me in some detail, and I was bored.

The New Yorker

She explained this to me while sitting in the gallery's sprawling communal kitchen.

The New York Times

She explained this to me with a story from her second trip to Iran, in December 1999.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain this to me" when you need a concept or situation simplified, especially when you lack prior knowledge on the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "explain this to me" in highly formal or professional settings. Instead, opt for phrases like "could you clarify this further" or "would you mind elaborating on this point" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain this to me" functions as an imperative request. It seeks clarification or a simplified explanation of a particular subject, concept, or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain this to me" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to request clarification or simplification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to seek understanding, especially when dealing with complex or unfamiliar topics. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, but its usage can extend to academic, scientific, and even informal contexts. For more formal situations, alternative phrases like "could you clarify this further" might be more appropriate. The phrase is versatile and useful, provided the context is clear and the request is specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you clarify this for me?

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making something clearer.

could you elaborate on this?

Uses "elaborate" to ask for more details or a more thorough explanation.

can you give me a breakdown of this?

Asks for a detailed analysis or simplified explanation.

can you walk me through this?

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

i don't understand, can you explain?

Directly states lack of understanding before requesting an explanation.

what does this mean?

Focuses on the meaning or interpretation of something.

can you simplify this for me?

Requests a less complex or easier-to-understand explanation.

help me understand this

A more empathetic way of asking for an explanation, emphasizing the speaker's need for help.

i'm confused, can you explain?

Similar to "I don't understand", but emphasizes confusion.

what's the explanation for this?

Asks directly for the reason or justification behind something.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "explain this to me"?

In a formal setting, you could say "Could you please clarify this further?" or "Would you mind elaborating on this point?". These options are more polite and suitable for professional environments.

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

You can use "explain this to me" when you're seeking clarification on a topic. For example, "I'm new to this project, can you "explain this to me"?".

What's the difference between "explain this to me" and "clarify this for me"?

"Explain this to me" is a general request for understanding, while "clarify this for me" suggests you already have some understanding but need specific points made clearer.

What can I say instead of "explain this to me" when I don't understand something?

Instead of "explain this to me", you could say "help me understand this" or "I'm having trouble understanding this, could you explain it differently?".