explained to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has provided information or clarification to another person or group. Example: "The teacher explained to the students the importance of studying for their exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Oro," Juan explained to Jorge.

The New York Times

"Mat'," the man explained to the team.

The New Yorker

He explained to me what happened.

The Economist

"No," she explained to the two women.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nothing has really been explained to me.

Independent

"It was explained to us.

The New Yorker

Was it explained to them?

The Guardian - Opinion

Extraordinary awards should be explained to shareholders.

Harvard University

You have heard it explained to you.

Cornell University

People who like being explained to?

The Guardian - Opinion

It should be explained to people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explained to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is explaining and who is receiving the explanation for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "explained to" in passive constructions where the explainer is unclear. Instead of "It was explained to me", specify who provided the explanation: "The professor explained it to me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained to" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of providing an explanation directed towards a specific recipient. Ludwig examples show its use in conveying information or instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

32%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explained to" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the act of providing an explanation to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Academia, reflecting its neutrality and applicability in both formal and informal settings. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying both the explainer and the recipient, and to avoid passive constructions that obscure who is doing the explaining. For alternative expressions, consider "clarified for", "detailed for", or "described to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarified for

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

made clear to

Focuses on the result of understanding.

detailed for

Implies a thorough explanation was provided.

broken down for

Implies simplifying complex information.

described to

Emphasizes the act of giving an account of something.

laid out for

Implies a structured and organized explanation.

elucidated to

Suggests making something obscure clear and understandable.

interpreted for

Highlights the process of understanding and explaining the meaning of something.

presented to

Highlights the act of showing or offering something for consideration.

walked through with

Suggests guiding someone step-by-step through a process.

FAQs

How do I use "explained to" in a sentence?

Use "explained to" to show that someone provided clarification or information to someone else. For example, "The scientist "explained the theory to" her colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "explained to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "clarified for", "detailed for", or "described to".

Is there a difference between "explained to" and "explained for"?

"Explained to" indicates the recipient of the explanation, while "explained for" suggests the purpose of the explanation. "He explained the rules to me" versus "He explained the rules for the benefit of the new players".

Which is correct: "it was explained to me" or "it was explained me"?

"It was explained to me" is the correct form. The preposition "to" is necessary to indicate the recipient of the explanation. The sentence "It was explained me" is grammatically incorrect.