explained to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained to him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of providing information or clarification to someone, specifically a male individual. Example: "The teacher explained to him the importance of studying for the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I explained to him about the wire.

The New Yorker

"I explained to him, the building came down," she recalled.

The New York Times

Jacqui explained to him what had happened in his absence.

The New Yorker

I explained to him, this is what you work for.

The New York Times - Sports

"I explained to him what I saw on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

There was another rule that the supervisor explained to him.

The New Yorker

Everything is changing, the cook explained to him.

The New Yorker

After the new arrangement was explained to him, he nodded.

The New Yorker

"Down the road, it'll be explained to him".

The New York Times - Sports

Then someone explained to him the secrets of the trade.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explained to him", ensure the context clearly indicates what was explained and why it was necessary. The phrase is most effective when the explanation leads to a change in understanding or action.

Common error

Avoid vague references when using "explained to him". Always ensure it's clear what you explained. For example, instead of saying "I explained to him," specify "I explained to him the new company policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained to him" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically as part of the predicate. It indicates the action of providing an explanation to a male individual. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, supporting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained to him" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of providing an explanation to a male individual. Ludwig's analysis reveals that this phrase is frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To maximize clarity, ensure the subject of the explanation is clear. Alternatives like "clarified it for him" or "informed him about" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and used across numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarified it for him

Replaces "explained" with "clarified" and uses a pronoun, focusing on the act of making something clear.

elucidated it to him

Uses a more formal verb, "elucidated", suggesting a detailed and thorough explanation.

informed him about

Focuses on conveying information rather than a detailed explanation.

made him understand

Focuses on the result of the explanation – his understanding.

walked him through

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

gave him an explanation of

Rephrases the concept as giving something, emphasizing the provision of the explanation.

detailed it for him

Uses "detailed" instead of "explained", focusing on providing specific information.

broke it down for him

Implies simplifying a complex topic for easier understanding.

shed light on it for him

Uses a metaphorical expression, suggesting the removal of confusion or obscurity.

enlightened him on

Implies bringing knowledge or awareness to him, often about something previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "explained to him" in a sentence?

Use "explained to him" to describe the act of making something understandable to a male individual. For instance, "She "explained to him" the intricacies of quantum physics" or "The doctor "explained to him" the potential side effects of the medication".

What are some alternatives to "explained to him"?

Alternatives include "clarified it for him", "elucidated it to him", or "informed him about". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of detail provided.

Is "explained to him" formal or informal?

"Explained to him" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the source of communication. However, alternatives like "elucidated it to him" might be more suitable for highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "explained to him" and "explained it to him"?

While both are grammatically correct, "explained it to him" emphasizes the subject matter being explained, whereas "explained to him" focuses on the act of explaining to the person. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight what was explained or to whom it was explained.