explain which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain which" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to prompt someone to clarify or specify which thing or concept they are referring to. Example: "Can you please explain which option you prefer for our project proposal?" In this sentence, the speaker is asking the listener to specify which specific option they are referring to when discussing the project proposal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If you're a novice fan, we have to best explain which car it is," Flood said.

The New York Times - Sports

While some publications explain which plants go well with others, Ms. Stewart shouts "more".

The New York Times

This is clear to me, but difficult to explain, which is what makes abstraction so fascinating.

The New York Times - Magazine

He should be made to explain which interrogation techniques he considers to be torture.

The New York Times

Write a brief analysis, and explain which plan you believe is stronger.

The New York Times

For each disease, explain which body part is affected, the symptoms and most common treatments.

The New York Times

The analysts seldom bother to explain which variant of accounting each company uses.

The New York Times

(He has asked me not to explain which bits, so as not to ruin his cover).

The New Yorker

It has, to be fair, strived to explain which factors affect its decisions.

The Economist

George Osborne must explain which frontline services he will cut further to pay for this".

Independent

But they do not disclose racial information, or explain which officer positions are line and which are staff positions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain which", ensure that the context provides a clear set of options or items from which the selection is being made. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the explanation is focused.

Common error

Avoid using "explain which" when the options are not clearly defined or understood by the audience. Instead, provide a brief overview of the options before using "explain which" to guide the explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain which" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit clarification or detailed information about a specific selection or choice from a known set of options. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain which" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to solicit detailed information about a specific selection from a defined set of options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase found across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and general guides. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to use "explain which" when the context clearly defines the available options. Alternatives like "clarify which" or "specify which" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "explain which" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify which

Replaces "explain" with a more direct synonym emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

specify which

Focuses on making a particular choice or option clear and distinct.

detail which

Suggests providing more in-depth information about a selection.

describe which

Emphasizes giving a comprehensive account of the selected item or option.

indicate which

Highlights pointing out or showing what is being referred to.

elucidate which

A more formal alternative to "explain", suggesting a thorough and insightful clarification.

interpret which

Focuses on providing an understanding of what something means, in the context of a selection.

define which

Emphasizes providing a clear and precise meaning of the selected item.

outline which

Suggests giving a summary of the key features of the selection.

illustrate which

Focuses on providing examples or visual aids to clarify the selection.

FAQs

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

Use "explain which" to ask for clarification about a specific item or option from a set of possibilities. For example, "Can you "explain which" method is most effective?"

What can I say instead of "explain which"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify which", "specify which", or "detail which" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "explain what" instead of "explain which"?

While "explain what" is also grammatically correct, "explain which" is used when there's a specific set of options or items to choose from, whereas "explain what" is used for a more general explanation. For example, "explain what happened" versus ""explain which" strategy was implemented."

When should I use "explain which" over "explain why"?

"Explain which" is used to clarify a selection from a set of options, while "explain why" is used to ask for the reasons behind something. For example, "Explain which course you chose" versus "explain why you chose that course."