explaining in words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explaining in words" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of clarifying or describing something verbally, as opposed to using images or other forms of communication. Example: "The teacher focused on explaining in words the complex concept of gravity to ensure all students understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They sat outside in the warm darkness for hours, drinking rum and fruit juice washed down with beer, eating prodigious amounts of food, eyeballing the beautiful Cuban-American girls and explaining, in words that often give new meaning to the term "offensive line," how they have accomplished all they have.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's something that can't be explained in words".

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Brunelleschi: Please, Filippo, explain in words even an idiota like me can understand.

The New Yorker

"It's hard to explain in words, but it's a feeling similar to romance.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rapt, mystical quality of his performances cannot really be explained in words.

The New York Times - Arts

Even the state math exams require students to explain in words how they got the answer.

The New York Times

But he added, "I can't explain in words how much I am suffering".

The New York Times

A film you could explain in words was "not a real film".

The Guardian - Film

The nature of kami cannot be fully explained in words, because kami transcends the cognitive faculty of man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They comprise a set of skills that you can't teach, and can't explain in words on a page.

The Guardian

"People who worked for Buddy had a passion for him that I can't explain in words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explaining in words" when you want to emphasize that the explanation is conveyed verbally, rather than through visual aids or other means. It is particularly useful when contrasting verbal explanations with non-verbal ones.

Common error

Avoid using "explaining in words" excessively. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "verbal explanation" or "describing verbally" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explaining in words" functions as a supplementary clarification, emphasizing the method of communication. It is typically used to contrast verbal explanations with non-verbal methods, such as demonstrations or visual aids. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights the use of language for clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

17%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explaining in words" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that emphasizes the verbal method of explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests it’s useful for contrasting verbal communication with non-verbal methods. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "verbal explanation" or "describing verbally" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal explanation

Focuses on the method of explanation rather than the act of explaining.

describing verbally

Emphasizes the description aspect using words.

articulating in words

Highlights the clarity and precision of the explanation.

expressing verbally

Focuses on the expression of thoughts or ideas through words.

putting into words

Implies the act of translating a concept into a verbal form.

outlining verbally

Suggests a structured and organized verbal explanation.

detailing in speech

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation through spoken language.

narrating with words

Focuses on storytelling or recounting events using words.

communicating verbally

Emphasizes the communication aspect through words.

elucidating through speech

Highlights the clarification and illumination aspect of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "explaining in words" in a sentence?

You can use "explaining in words" to emphasize the act of clarifying or describing something verbally, as opposed to using images or other forms of communication. For example: "The teacher focused on "explaining in words" the complex concept of gravity to ensure all students understood."

What are some alternatives to "explaining in words"?

You can use alternatives such as "verbal explanation", "describing verbally", or "articulating in words" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "explaining in words" instead of just "explaining"?

Use "explaining in words" when you want to specifically highlight that the explanation is being conveyed through spoken or written language, rather than through visual aids, demonstrations, or other non-verbal methods. It adds emphasis to the verbal nature of the explanation.

Is there a more formal way to say "explaining in words"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "articulating verbally" or "elucidating through speech", which convey a higher degree of precision and clarity in the explanation.