explain your thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain your thinking" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to prompt someone to provide further explanation or reasoning for their thoughts or actions. Example: "In your essay, you have made some interesting points about the impact of social media on teenagers. Can you now take a moment to explain your thinking behind your argument?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We invite you to ask questions and explain your thinking.

The New York Times

Use #bbccycling and explain your thinking.

BBC

Explain your thinking, including at least one example from the article as support for your position.

The New York Times

One expert pointed out: "Your portfolio can include remakes of Tetris or Bejeweled, a re-imagining of a soundtrack or a review of a classic game - but you have to be able to explain your thinking and why you chose to make, change, amend or update it".

The Guardian

What I've learned is that if you don't connect the dots for people – if you don't bring them along, explain your thinking, and convince them of your reasoning – they won't follow you.

Forbes

Explain your thinking If you spent a lot of time developing a brilliant idea, you should acknowledge it if asked.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"You've got to explain your thinking how you got there.

Huffington Post

Many times, once you've explained your thinking, others will say, "Well, that does make sense in a way, however..."....

WikiHow

To explain his thinking about elections, Fields talks about Charlie Shafer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Hingle is not available to explain his thinking.

The New York Times

The Bank of England goes to considerable lengths to explain its thinking.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "explain your thinking", be specific about what aspect you want them to elaborate on. This helps them provide a more focused and relevant response.

Common error

Avoid using "explain your thinking" when the person has already provided some context. Instead, acknowledge their previous explanation and ask for clarification on specific points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain your thinking" functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to provide a detailed account of their thought process. Ludwig examples showcase it prompting justification or clarification, aligning with its direct, action-oriented nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain your thinking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that asks someone to articulate their reasoning or thought process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's particularly common in news and media contexts, serving to elicit clarity and transparency. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. When using this phrase, specificity is key to ensure a focused and relevant response. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "explain your thinking" to promote better communication and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate on your reasoning

Focuses on the reasoning process behind the thinking.

clarify your rationale

Emphasizes the logical basis for a decision or belief.

justify your position

Requests a defense of a stance or viewpoint.

walk me through your thought process

Asks for a step-by-step explanation of how someone arrived at a conclusion.

unpack your rationale

Implies a need to deconstruct and analyze the reasoning.

detail your line of reasoning

Requests a comprehensive account of the logical steps followed.

expound on your view

Asks for a more thorough and detailed explanation of an opinion.

give insight into your perspective

Seeks a deeper understanding of the underlying beliefs and assumptions.

shed light on your assessment

Implies revealing the basis for an evaluation or judgment.

break down your analysis

Requests a detailed explanation of how something was examined and interpreted.

FAQs

What does "explain your thinking" mean?

The phrase "explain your thinking" is a request for someone to provide the reasoning, thought process, or rationale behind their statements, actions, or decisions. It prompts them to elaborate on how they arrived at a particular conclusion or viewpoint.

How can I ask someone to elaborate on their ideas without saying "explain your thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "elaborate on your reasoning", "clarify your rationale", or "walk me through your thought process" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "explain your thinking"?

It's appropriate to use "explain your thinking" when you need a deeper understanding of someone's perspective, decision-making process, or the reasoning behind their actions. It is especially useful when something is unclear or requires further justification.

Is "explain your thinking" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "explain your thinking" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, you might opt for a more elaborate alternative such as "detail your line of reasoning".