explain your reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain your reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or justify their thoughts or decisions. Example: "Before we proceed, could you please explain your reasons for choosing this approach?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Use a cover letter to explain your reasons for switching jobs — something that is difficult to do in a résumé.

The New York Times

It doesn't matter which you opt to help, as long as you explain your reasons and show that you've thought about the question.

The Guardian

You get a letter asking you to explain your reasons: obviously mine wasn't a good enough one so I got sanctioned.

The Guardian

Then, in a short speech (one to two pages), explain your reasons for including these types of information and excluding others".

The New York Times

If you are invited for an interview by an MD/PhD program, members of the admissions committee may want you to explain your reasons.

Science Magazine

If you wanted to go, you had to endure a long conversation with the producers where you had to explain your reasons for wanting to leave.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Explain your reason for leaving the position.

WikiHow

Explain your reason for wanting the item.

WikiHow

Explain your reason for needing time off.

WikiHow

Explain your reason politely, and apologise.

WikiHow

Get all your 'soon-to-be former friends' and explain your reason or reasons.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when explaining your reasons. Tailor your explanation to their level of understanding and interests.

Common error

Avoid overjustifying or providing excessive detail when "explain your reasons". This can weaken your argument and make you appear defensive. Stick to the most relevant and compelling reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain your reasons" functions as an imperative, prompting someone to provide a detailed account of their motivations or justifications. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in requesting clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain your reasons" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that asks someone to clarify their motivations or justifications. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct. It's most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, suggesting a widespread applicability. When using this phrase, it's best to be direct and specific, avoiding overjustification. Alternatives include "justify your actions" or "clarify your rationale". This phrase serves the communicative purpose of seeking understanding, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an explanation

Offers a general explanation without specifying the need for justification.

clarify your rationale

Emphasizes clarifying the underlying logic and reasoning behind a decision or belief.

provide your justification

Highlights the act of giving reasons to defend or support a claim or decision.

spell out your reasoning

Focuses on providing a detailed and explicit account of the thought process involved.

justify your actions

Focuses on justifying actions taken, implying a need to defend or validate choices.

state your grounds

Focuses on declaring the basis or foundation for a particular stance or action.

detail your motives

Shifts the emphasis to elaborating on the motivations and intentions behind an action.

defend your perspective

Emphasizes defending a particular viewpoint or opinion with supporting arguments.

account for your decisions

Implies a formal explanation of choices made, often in a professional context.

elucidate your thinking

Stresses making your thoughts and thought process clear and understandable.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain your reasons" to ask someone to clarify their motivations or justifications, as in, "Before we proceed, could you please explain your reasons for choosing this approach?"

What are some alternatives to "explain your reasons"?

You can use alternatives like "justify your actions", "clarify your rationale", or "provide your justification" depending on the context.

Is it better to "explain your reasons" or "give your reasons"?

"Explain your reasons" implies a more in-depth clarification, while "give your reasons" is a more general statement. The choice depends on the level of detail required.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "explain your reasons"?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "explain your reasons" when you need clarification on a decision, action, or belief, especially when it impacts you or requires further understanding.