explained a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained a few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of providing clarification or details about a limited number of items or concepts. Example: "During the meeting, she explained a few key points that were crucial for understanding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In an interview, he explained a few of the implications.

The New York Times

There's nothing we can do about this, as Steven Mufson explained a few days ago.

The Economist

She explained "a few times, in different ways," that she wasn't a journalist.

The New York Times - Books

He attended the orientation and explained a few basics about how the kidnap trade worked at the time.

The New Yorker

"Dave only buys comps, he never buys albums by single artists," Mr. Kioussis explained a few weeks later.

The New York Times

"I'm hoping it will turn into something more definite--at the moment, it's a nonprofit thing," she explained a few days before the White Plains date.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This explains a few things.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Well that explains a few things".

The Guardian - Arts

And we would like Mrs. Epstein to show up, explain a few things.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of the most moving poems I've read is Pablo Neruda's "I'm Explaining a Few Things".

The New Yorker

In case you come to this cold, let's talk ordnance and explain a few basic things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained a few" when you want to convey that you provided some, but not all, of the details regarding a topic. It implies a selective explanation, focusing on the most important or relevant aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "explained a few" excessively without providing context on what was specifically explained. Be clear about the topics covered to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained a few" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing an explanation for a limited number of items or aspects. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explained a few" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the action of providing a selective explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, but primarily found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, it's important to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity and to consider stronger alternatives for more formal or academic writing. It signifies that some, but not all, details were provided, focusing on the most important aspects. The phrase balances informativeness with conciseness, making it appropriate for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarified some

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", implying a focus on making something clearer.

detailed a few

Uses "detailed" to suggest providing more in-depth information for a limited number of items.

outlined some

Implies giving a summary or main points for a few aspects.

described a handful

Replaces "explained" with "described" and "few" with "handful", slightly changing the tone.

illustrated a couple

Uses "illustrated" to suggest providing examples or visual aids for a small number.

expounded on a few

Replaces "explained" with "expounded on", indicating a more thorough explanation.

walked through some

Uses "walked through" to indicate a step-by-step explanation of a small number of items.

touched on several

Indicates briefly mentioning or explaining several aspects.

gave some insight into

Focuses on providing a deeper understanding of a limited number of things.

shed light on a few

Uses "shed light on" to imply making something clearer or more understandable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "explained a few" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "detailed some", "outlined some", or "expounded on a few" to convey a more professional tone while conveying a selective explanation.

Is "explained a few" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "explained a few" is generally acceptable, but depending on the context, it can be replaced with stronger options. For instance, in academic writing, use "elaborated on several" or "clarified certain aspects".

What's the difference between "explained a few" and "explained some"?

The phrases "explained a few" and "explained some" are largely interchangeable. However, "explained a few" often implies a smaller or more specific selection of items or points, while "explained some" can be slightly broader.

How to use "explained a few" in a sentence?

You can use "explained a few" when you want to indicate that you provided some, but not all, of the details regarding a topic. For instance, "The teacher "explained a few" key concepts before the exam".