explain to you

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain to you" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are providing an explanation or clarification to someone. For example: "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Can you explain to me what you mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't explain to you".

The Guardian - Sport

I will explain to you everything tomorrow.

The New Yorker

He will explain to you more particularly.

The New Yorker

I said, "Let me explain to you.

The New Yorker

"I will call my senior to explain to you".

The New Yorker

What I want to explain to you is another matter.

The New Yorker

ANTONELLI -- It's not, and I'll explain to you why.

The New York Times

That's the best I can explain to you".

The Guardian - Film

I explain to you because it's important for us.

The Guardian - Sport

"I wish I could really find the words to explain to you how I felt".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I can't explain to you how important this day is for us.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explain to you" when you want to offer a straightforward explanation or clarification. Ensure the context is appropriate and that the explanation is tailored to the listener's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "explain to you" in highly technical or academic settings where more formal language might be expected. Consider using alternatives like "elucidate" or "detail" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain to you" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger sentence to indicate the intention to provide clarification or impart knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain to you" is a common and grammatically correct way to offer an explanation or clarification, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is versatile, fitting well in neutral to informal contexts. While highly prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, it maintains relevance across various domains. When seeking alternatives, consider options like ""clarify for you"" or ""elucidate to you"" for nuanced communication. Avoiding overuse in extremely formal settings ensures effective and appropriate language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give you an explanation

A more direct way to offer an explanation.

Clarify for you

Focuses on making something clearer, emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

Elucidate to you

A more formal way of saying explain, suggesting a more detailed explanation.

Help you understand

Focuses on assisting someone in gaining comprehension.

Shed light on for you

Emphasizes revealing or making something understandable.

Break down for you

Suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

Go over with you

Implies reviewing or discussing something in detail.

Detail for you

Suggests providing comprehensive information.

Spell out for you

Means to explain something very clearly and directly, often when someone is having difficulty understanding.

Walk you through

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain to you" when you want to offer an explanation to someone. For example, "Let me "explain to you" why this is important" or "I will "explain to you" the process step by step".

What are some alternatives to "explain to you"?

Alternatives include "clarify for you", "elucidate to you", or "shed light on for you". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "explain to you" formal or informal?

"Explain to you" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like ""elucidate to you"" or "detail for you".

When is it best to use "explain to you"?

It's best to use "explain to you" when you are directly addressing someone and offering to provide them with an understanding of a topic. It's suitable for everyday conversations and general explanations.