explain to the class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain to the class" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to provide an explanation or clarification to a group of students or participants in a classroom setting. Example: "Please explain to the class the importance of teamwork in group projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then, explain to the class that they will be participating in a "fishbowl" discussion on journalism ethics.

The New York Times

So, for instance, you might explain to the class that the Slydini scene they just saw was an "optical illusion".

The New York Times

Next, explain to the class that they will be participating in a "fishbowl" discussion about issues related to the 9/11 Report and the related investigations.

The New York Times

Divide students into pairs, and explain to the class that their task is to propose their own replacement for the one-kilogram cylinder.

The New York Times

Students can then draw images or take photographs of them and explain to the class what they are, and what memories they hold.

The New York Times

Each student will be asked to prepare a wish list and then to explain to the class why he wants the things he wants.

Forbes

Specifically, at the beginning of each PEP session, staff will explain to the class of police officers that while the PEP training is mandatory, the ESCUDO evaluation is voluntary.

BMJ Open

Write a 0 in the 1s column and a 4 in the 10s column, then explain to the class that each number you made with the pebbles has its own "place".

WikiHow

3. Explain to the class that statistics can play a very important role in comparing products.

The New York Times

Explain to the class that you will read aloud five statements.

The New York Times

3. Explain to the class that they will work in groups to write and record a cooking show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain to the class", ensure your explanation is tailored to the class's level of understanding and prior knowledge. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex terminology.

Common error

Avoid making explanations too complex or abstract. Always provide concrete examples and real-world applications to help the class grasp the concepts more easily.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explain to the class" is that of a verb phrase functioning as an instruction or a request. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It directs someone to provide an explanation to a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain to the class" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to instruct someone to provide an explanation to a group, typically in an educational setting. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While alternatives like "clarify for the class" or "elucidate for the class" offer nuanced variations, the core function remains consistent: to facilitate understanding. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and relevance to the audience's level, avoiding overly complex language. The phrase's prevalence across news, science, and wiki sources underscores its broad applicability, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify for the class

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", emphasizing the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

elucidate for the class

Substitutes "explain" with "elucidate", indicating a more detailed and thorough explanation.

present to the class

Focuses on the act of presenting information rather than specifically explaining it.

instruct the class on

Replaces "explain to" with "instruct on", shifting the focus to teaching or guiding the class.

teach the class about

Similar to "instruct", but emphasizes the imparting of knowledge.

walk the class through

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

describe to the class

Focuses on providing a detailed account or representation.

go over with the class

Indicates a review or repetition of information.

break down for the class

Suggests simplifying complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.

give the class an explanation of

A more formal and verbose alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "explain to the class" in a sentence?

You can use "explain to the class" when you want to instruct someone to provide an explanation to a group of students. For example, "Could you please explain to the class the key concepts of the topic?"

What is a good alternative to "explain to the class"?

Alternatives to "explain to the class" include "clarify for the class", "elucidate for the class", or "present to the class", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "explains to the class" instead of "explain to the class"?

The phrase "explains to the class" is grammatically correct but uses the third-person singular form of the verb. It's suitable when the subject is a singular person (e.g., "The teacher explains to the class the concept of gravity"). "Explain to the class" is used in the imperative mood or when referring to a general action.

What's the difference between "explain to the class" and "explain it to the class"?

"Explain to the class" is used when the object of explanation is implied or will follow immediately. "Explain it to the class" is used when you want to emphasize the object being explained. For instance, "Explain the assignment to the class" vs "Explain it to the class after they finish reading the text".