explain to him

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain to him" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: I will try to explain to him why I made this decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

It is such a difficult question to explain to him.

Independent

"I wanted to explain to him how we're always laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

"I explain to him that the Chinese culture is extremely modest," she says.

The New York Times

Why don't the police simply explain to him that you aren't breaking any laws?

The New York Times

No one was available to explain to him in Spanish why he ended up in Newark.

The New York Times

"I tried to explain to him: 'You ever see the TV?

The New York Times - Magazine

Did his parents explain to him what apartheid was? "It did.

The Guardian

I began to explain to him my reasons for making this more like real school.

The New Yorker

"There's not a whole lot you have to explain to him," he said.

The New York Times

I've never met the man, but I'm trying to explain to him why they are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "explain to him", ensure the context provides sufficient detail about what needs to be explained. For example, "Explain to him the process step by step."

Common error

Avoid using "explain to him" when the concept is already familiar to the person. Instead, consider phrases like "remind him" or "review with him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain to him" functions as a verb phrase that includes a transitive verb (explain) and an indirect object (him). It indicates the action of clarifying or providing information to someone. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain to him" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of clarifying something for someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples of its use across various contexts. While seemingly straightforward, the specific choice of words can subtly alter the meaning and tone of the communication. Alternatives such as "clarify it to him" or "inform him" can be more appropriate depending on the situation. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the chosen phrase effectively conveys the intended message. Always make sure the context clarifies what you are explaining.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify it to him

Uses "clarify" instead of "explain", focusing on making something clearer.

elucidate it for him

Replaces "explain" with "elucidate", suggesting a more detailed and formal clarification.

make it clear to him

Emphasizes the act of ensuring understanding, rather than just providing information.

spell it out to him

Suggests simplifying the explanation for easier comprehension.

walk him through it

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

break it down for him

Focuses on simplifying complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.

give him the explanation

Highlights the act of providing an explanation, rather than the process.

let him know

Is less detailed and may not involve a full explanation.

inform him of

Focuses on providing information, which may or may not involve explanation.

tell him the reason

Highlights the act of communication, potentially without a detailed rationale.

FAQs

How can I use "explain to him" in a sentence?

You can use "explain to him" followed by what you need to clarify. For example: "Can you please "explain to him" the new company policy?"

What's a simpler way to say "explain to him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "clarify it to him" or "tell him about it". For instance, instead of "explain to him", you might say "tell him about it".

Is it better to say "explain it to him" or "explain to him it"?

"Explain it to him" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Explain to him it" is not proper English.

What's the difference between "explain to him" and "inform him"?

"Explain to him" implies providing a detailed rationale or clarification, while "inform him" simply means providing information, with no guarantee of understanding.