explained to me

USAGE SUMMARY

"explained to me" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has provided information or instruction to another person. Example: The teacher patiently explained the complex math problem to me until I finally understood it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He explained to me what happened.

The Economist

Nothing has really been explained to me.

Independent

Denice explained to me how it worked.

The Guardian

And he explained to me: 'Look, engineer.

The Guardian

The outcome was instructive, she explained to me.

University of California, Berkeley

"My husband is naïve," she explained to me.

The New Yorker

("My hands just get too sweaty," he explained to me).

The New Yorker

But the neighborhood had changed, Maggie explained to me.

The New Yorker

"It negates my medication," he explained to me.

The New Yorker

I can't smell sugar," Achatz explained to me.

The New Yorker

He explained to me how it really worked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained to me" to clearly indicate that you received information or clarification directly from someone. This helps establish the source of your understanding.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses when using the phrase. Ensure the verb tense aligns with the context of the explanation. For example, use "He explained to me" (past tense) for a completed action, not "He explains to me" when referring to a past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained to me" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an instance of reported speech or conveying information received. Ludwig highlights this through its examples, showcasing how it's used to relay information someone provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

18%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explained to me" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has provided information or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it functions to convey received knowledge and highlight the source of understanding. When writing, ensure correct tense usage and use alternatives like clarified for me or informed me to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clarified for me

This alternative emphasizes the removal of confusion or ambiguity, suggesting a clearer understanding was achieved.

Made clear to me

Focuses on the act of making something understandable, highlighting the simplicity of the explanation.

Informed me

This option is more formal and highlights the transmission of factual information.

Told me how it works

Focuses on the mechanics or process being explained, rather than a general concept.

Walked me through

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration, often used for processes or procedures.

Detailed for me

Implies that a thorough and comprehensive explanation was given, covering all relevant aspects.

Shed light on for me

This is a more figurative alternative, suggesting that the explanation illuminated a previously unclear topic.

Enlightened me about

This alternative has a strong connotation of gaining significant knowledge or understanding.

Instructed me on

Highlights the instructional aspect, suggesting that guidance or training was provided.

Showed me the ropes

This is an idiom that suggests the teaching of basic procedures or skills, especially in a new environment.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "explained to me"?

You can use alternatives like "clarified for me", "made clear to me", or "informed me" depending on the context.

Is "explained to me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "explained to me" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that someone provided information or clarification. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples.

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

You can use "explained to me" to describe how you learned something from someone else. For example, "The scientist "explained to me" the process of photosynthesis."

What is the difference between "explained to me" and "explained it to me"?

"Explained to me" emphasizes the recipient of the explanation, while "explained it to me" highlights the subject being explained. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the desired focus. For example, "He "explained to me" how the engine works" versus "He explained the engine to me."