explain your

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain your" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to clarify or provide details about something they have mentioned or are responsible for. Example: "Can you explain your reasoning behind this decision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Explain your opinion".

The New York Times

Explain your answer.

The New York Times

Explain your findings.

The New York Times

Can you explain your reasoning?

The New York Times

"That doesn't explain your scorn".

The New Yorker

Explain your answers".

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Explain your choice".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Explain your answer.   5.

International Journal of STEM Education

Explain your investment strategy.

Forbes

First, explain your situation.

Science Magazine

Explain your answer using details and examples.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain your", be specific about what you want the person to clarify. For instance, instead of a generic "explain your answer", specify "explain your reasoning for choosing option A."

Common error

Avoid using "explain your" without providing sufficient context. Vague prompts can lead to ambiguous or irrelevant responses. Be sure to frame your request with enough information so that the other person understands exactly what needs clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain your" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the listener or reader to provide an explanation. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain your" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative, primarily employed to request clarification or justification. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in various contexts. The phrase sees common usage in scientific, news media, and wiki sources, with a more neutral tone suited for professional settings. Related phrases include "justify your" and "clarify your", each bringing a slightly different nuance. Effective use involves providing context to ensure a focused response, and avoiding overuse without clear purpose. Remember, as Ludwig’s analysis points out, the meaning is clear and usage straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify your

Emphasizes the need to make something clearer and more understandable.

elaborate on your

Suggests adding more detail and expanding on a previous statement.

provide a rationale for your

Requests a reasoned and logical basis for something.

justify your

Focuses specifically on providing a reasoned defense or explanation for an action or decision.

give the reasons for your

Directly asks for the reasons behind a decision or action.

detail your

Implies providing a comprehensive list of items or aspects.

defend your

Specifically asks for a defense of a position or viewpoint against criticism.

account for your

Highlights the need to provide a reason or explanation for something, especially discrepancies.

spell out your

Indicates a need for a very clear and explicit explanation, leaving no room for ambiguity.

walk me through your

Asks for a step-by-step explanation of a process or thought.

FAQs

How can I use "explain your" in a sentence?

You can use "explain your" to ask someone to clarify their reasoning, actions, or beliefs. For instance, "Can you explain your decision to change the project timeline?"

What's a more formal alternative to "explain your"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "provide a rationale for your" or "justify your" to request clarification.

Is it always necessary to use "explain your" when asking for clarification?

No, you can also use alternatives like "clarify your", "elaborate on your", or simply ask a direct question that prompts the person to provide more details.

When is it appropriate to use "explain your" in written communication?

It's appropriate to use "explain your" in written communication when you need someone to provide a detailed explanation of a concept, decision, or process. Ensure your request is clear and specific to elicit a useful response.