explained the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"explained the situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone giving an explanation or recounting of a particular situation. For example: "The teacher explained the situation to the students, detailing each step of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But his manager explained the situation.

The Guardian - Sport

The couple explained the situation to Ervin on the phone.

The Washington Post

The principal greeted us warmly, and explained the situation.

The New Yorker

Sam explained the situation, but the policeman had no interest.

The Guardian - Music

I called the nurse and explained the situation.

The New York Times - Health

I tensely explained the situation and he laughed heartily: "Oh!

The Guardian - Film

A Bangladeshi on my flight explained the situation.

The New York Times - Travel

They explained the situation to her. "Well! she said.

The New Yorker

He called the director, David Wilson, and explained the situation.

The New Yorker

I rang her up and explained the situation.

The Guardian

She called that person and explained the situation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explained the situation", ensure you provide sufficient context for the audience to understand the explanation fully. Avoid vague statements and offer specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "The situation was explained by him". Opt for active voice: "He explained the situation" for directness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained the situation" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing an explanation or account of a particular set of circumstances. The phrase is widely used across different contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained the situation" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of providing an explanation or account of a particular set of circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Appearing most frequently in News & Media, it serves to inform and clarify, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives like "described the circumstances" or "detailed the events" can be used, "explained the situation" remains a direct and effective choice. When using the phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to enhance clarity and avoid over-reliance on passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

described the circumstances

Focuses on providing a detailed account of the events, more descriptive than explanatory.

gave an account of the events

Focuses on narrating the events as they unfolded.

detailed the events

Implies a comprehensive and chronological account of what happened.

presented the facts

Emphasizes objectivity and presenting verifiable information.

outlined the scenario

Suggests a structured and concise presentation of the main points of the situation.

related what happened

Simple recounting of events, less formal than "explained".

clarified the matter

Emphasizes making something easier to understand, focusing on removing confusion.

narrated the circumstances

Focuses on telling a story about the situation, emphasizing narrative elements.

shed light on the issue

Highlights revealing previously unknown or unclear aspects of the situation.

elucidated the issue

Implies a more thorough and scholarly clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "explained the situation" in a sentence?

You can use "explained the situation" to describe someone providing details or reasons about a particular set of circumstances. For example, "The manager "explained the situation" to the team after the project's cancellation".

What are some alternatives to "explained the situation"?

Alternatives include "described the circumstances", "detailed the events", or "clarified the matter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "explained the situation" or "explained what happened"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "explained the situation" is generally broader and can encompass more complex circumstances. "Explained what happened" is more specific to a sequence of events. Choose the phrase that best fits the scope of your explanation.

What is the difference between "explained the situation" and "justified the situation"?

"Explained the situation" provides an understanding of the circumstances. "Justified the situation", on the other hand, seeks to defend or provide reasons why the situation is acceptable, often implying a need for defense.