explained that

USAGE SUMMARY

"explained that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that a person has said. For example: "The professor explained that the class would be studying the origins of modern science for the next two months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I explained that wasn't so".

Independent

The engineers explained that was impossible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Well," he explained, "that isn't the point.

The New Yorker

He explained that story in the Wall Street Journal here.

Stanford University

Sito explained that wasn't necessarily the case.

Huffington Post

As we explained, that was dumb.

Huffington Post

She explained that….

The New Yorker

I explained that.

Yale University

She explained that only time would tell.

The New Yorker

Bailey explained that "the it was me".

The New Yorker

"I've explained that he can leave".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "explained that" with specific details or examples to strengthen your writing and provide a clearer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid incorrect verb tense shifts when using "explained that" in reported speech. Ensure the tense in the 'that' clause accurately reflects the original statement, adjusting for past or present contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained that" functions as a reporting verb introducing a subordinate clause that contains the explanation. It's used to convey what someone has clarified or justified, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained that" is a versatile phrase used to report explanations or clarifications, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical status is correct and it occurs frequently in both academic and journalistic contexts. When using "explained that", remember to maintain correct verb tense and choose it when you need to emphasize the act of providing an explanation. Consider alternatives like "stated that" or "indicated that" for different nuances. Overall, "explained that" is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated that

A more formal and neutral way of reporting what someone said.

clarified that

Focuses on removing ambiguity or confusion.

elucidated that

Emphasizes making something clear or easy to understand, often implying a detailed explanation.

pointed out that

Highlights a specific fact or detail.

described that

Focuses on giving a detailed account or impression of something.

indicated that

Suggests a more subtle form of conveying information, not necessarily a full explanation.

detailed that

Implies providing a comprehensive and thorough account.

revealed that

Implies uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

expressed that

Emphasizes the communication of feelings or opinions.

mentioned that

Suggests a brief or casual reference to something.

FAQs

How can I use "explained that" in a sentence?

Use "explained that" to report what someone has said or clarified. For instance, "The teacher "explained that" the homework was due next week."

What are some alternatives to "explained that"?

Alternatives include "stated that", "indicated that", or "clarified that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "explained that" or "stated that"?

"Explained that" implies providing a reason or clarification, while "stated that" is a more neutral way of reporting information. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "explained that" and "mentioned that"?

"Explained that" suggests a detailed account, whereas "mentioned that" implies a brief or casual reference. The level of detail is the key difference.