explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "explained" is acceptable and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something or make something clear. For example: "The teacher explained the concept of energy in great detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

She said: "As Mr Darling consistently explained, he paid for personal tax advice himself.

The Guardian

The reason for this conflict, Schelling explained, was that not wearing a helmet conferred a slight advantage on the ice; crucially, it gave the player better peripheral vision, and it also made him look fearless.

The Economist

She explained that the sortie began with military precision around 9pm on Monday, that all of those who attacked their homes were wearing surgical gloves, masks and combat uniforms, that they arrived with wheelie bins stuffed with bricks, bottles and other missiles, and that the entire attack appeared to be well organised.

The Guardian

There had always been "something special" about La Santé, Cormont explained.

The Guardian

He explained his about-face by claiming he had "fixed" the problem with a "surprise" that would be revealed in the budget.

The Guardian

And then I read "'Gotter bit of money this mornin," explained William carelessly, with the air of a Rothschild," and lost my heart to Crompton's hero for ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I explained that we could not research and report on this subject if we complied with this request.

The Guardian

"If you've got two campaigns essentially arguing the economic and financial viability of Scotland then it broadens the base, it makes that case stronger," Pringle explained.

The Guardian

The transsexual blogger Sarah Brown explained the special difficulties she faces: "My papers are not in order, and so I'm not going to the party conference".

The Guardian - Opinion

This absence is at least partially explained by the thorough discrediting of nationalism after nazism and the fact that, unlike further east, communist elites did not become corrupt nouveaux riches (and therefore the subject of a rightwing backlash, as in Hungary, for instance).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explained", ensure the context provides sufficient information about what was clarified. For example, avoid sentences like "He explained", and instead use "He explained the process in detail".

Common error

Avoid passive constructions that obscure who did the explaining. Instead of "It was explained that...", prefer "The expert explained that..." for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explained" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'explain'. It indicates an action of clarifying or making something understandable that occurred in the past. Ludwig confirms its role in conveying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained" functions as the past tense and past participle of 'explain', serving to clarify information across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread utility. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains, "explained" demonstrates a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Its frequent usage underscores its importance in conveying understanding. To enhance writing, ensure clarity by specifying what was "explained" and avoid passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarified

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

elucidated

Suggests a thorough explanation that sheds light on a complex topic.

described

Presents a detailed account or representation of something.

illustrated

Uses examples or visuals to make something clearer.

detailed

Implies providing extensive information.

expounded

Offers a comprehensive and elaborate explanation.

interpreted

Focuses on understanding and conveying the meaning of something.

revealed

Discloses something previously unknown or hidden.

unveiled

Similar to 'revealed', but often used for more formal or dramatic disclosures.

expressed

Communicates thoughts or feelings through words.

FAQs

How to use "explained" in a sentence?

Use "explained" to indicate that something was made clear or understandable. For example, "The teacher "explained" the theorem", or "She "explained" her reasons for leaving".

What can I say instead of "explained"?

You can use alternatives like "clarified", "elucidated", or "described" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "explained" or "had explained"?

Both are correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Explained" is simple past, while "had explained" is past perfect, used to indicate an action completed before another action in the past. For example, "He "explained" the rules after the game started" versus "He "had explained" the rules before the game started".

What's the difference between "explained" and "stated"?

"Explained" implies making something understandable, while "stated" simply means expressing something. You "explained" the complex theory by breaking it down but you "stated" your opinion on the matter.