explain through

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain through" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "Please explain through email why you are unable to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It's just too much," I tried to explain, through my tears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To explain through photographs "why people want to fight all the time".

The New York Times

Tovar tried to explain, through an interpreter, how he got the best of Lee.

The New York Times - Sports

The "Edison's Lab" pages also effectively explain, through simple diagrams, how some of Edison's inventions actually worked.

The New York Times - Books

It's impossible to explain through any discussion of plot and character the hypnotic brilliance of Michael Ondaatje's The Cat's Table (Jonathan Cape).

The Guardian - Books

(A third group of prisoners, in Minnesota, showed no significant differences in either self-esteem or in narcissism, an anomalous result the researchers hope to explain through further research).

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

She explains through gritted teeth.

Independent

" 'Hold!' and then 'Stay!' " she explained through an interpreter Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

Lonoff's secret past is explained through an allusion to Hawthorne.

The Guardian - Books

"I just wanted a small job, a small profession," he explained through a translator.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a plane without a pilot," one of the boys explained through an interpreter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain through", ensure the method or medium you're using for explanation is clearly stated. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands how the explanation is being conveyed. For example: "Explain through diagrams".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "explain through" without specifying the means of explanation. For instance, avoid saying "Explain through" alone. Instead, clarify the channel such as "Explain through examples" or "Explain through a detailed analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain through" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the method or means by which an explanation is conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. For example, "explain through diagrams" uses "through" to specify the mode of explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain through" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase employed to denote the method or means of providing an explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and versatile, fitting diverse contexts ranging from scientific discourse to everyday communication. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources, with a neutral register that makes it widely applicable. Alternatives such as "elucidate via" or "clarify by means of" can provide nuanced variations, while ensuring the medium of explanation is clearly specified is crucial for effective communication. By avoiding ambiguity and adhering to best practices, writers can confidently and accurately use "explain through" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate via

Emphasizes clarification using a particular method; more formal.

clarify by means of

Highlights the method used to make something clear; slightly more verbose.

expound by

Suggests a detailed explanation delivered through a medium; more formal.

demonstrate via

Focuses on showing or proving something through a method; implies evidence.

illustrate using

Implies using examples or visuals to explain.

interpret via

Stresses understanding or assigning meaning through a medium.

detail by

Focuses on providing specifics through a particular means.

convey through

Highlights the transmission of information using a specific channel.

communicate by means of

Emphasizes the act of sharing information through a specific method; somewhat formal.

reveal via

Highlights how something is disclosed or made known by using a method.

FAQs

How do I use "explain through" in a sentence?

Use "explain through" to indicate the method or medium by which something is clarified. For example, "The teacher will explain the concept through a series of diagrams" or "The scientist tried to explain the phenomenon through complex equations".

What are some alternatives to "explain through"?

Alternatives include "elucidate via", "clarify by means of", or "illustrate using", depending on the specific context. These options offer similar meanings while varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to say "explain through" or "explain via"?

Both "explain through" and "explain via" are acceptable. "Explain through" is slightly more common and versatile, while "explain via" might be preferred in more formal or technical contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context of the sentence.

What's the difference between "explain through" and "demonstrate through"?

"Explain through" focuses on clarifying or making something understandable using a particular method. "Demonstrate through", on the other hand, emphasizes showing or proving something through a specific means, often implying evidence or practical application. For example, "explain through examples" versus "demonstrate through experimentation".