explaining something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explaining something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe the act of making a concept or idea clear to someone else. Example: "The teacher spent the entire class explaining something that many students found confusing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He appears to be explaining something.

The New York Times

She is not explaining something.

The New Yorker

It's not explaining something; it's doing it.

Independent

"I felt like a vampire, explaining something foreign and exotic".

The New York Times

Explaining something complicated and seeing the penny drop is special.

The Guardian

As he told one student at the masterclass: "playing viol has to be like explaining something.

The Economist

Here, we're explaining something so you know the next part so you'll be more scared then'.

Independent

Jonah was explaining something to Lester, and Lester was asking questions, listening patiently.

The New Yorker

He will also randomly "woof" like a dog when he is explaining something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was explaining something really intently to a PR-ish, hospitality-type woman.

The Guardian - Sport

"But sometimes it's just a much better way of explaining something really articulately.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "explaining something", consider your audience's existing knowledge to tailor your explanation effectively. Start with fundamental concepts and gradually introduce more complex details.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly technical language when "explaining something" to a general audience. Simplify your language to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explaining something" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explaining something" is a versatile and grammatically correct gerund phrase widely used across diverse contexts to convey the act of clarifying or elucidating a concept. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and frequency, highlighting its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using "explaining something", prioritize clarity and tailor your language to your audience's knowledge level. Alternatives like "clarifying something" or "elucidating something" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid jargon and overly complex language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying something

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand.

elucidating something

Highlights the act of making something more understandable, often something complex.

interpreting something

Emphasizes understanding and conveying the meaning of something.

demonstrating something

Implies showing how something works or is done, often as an explanation.

illustrating something

Focuses on providing examples or visuals to aid understanding.

outlining something

Highlights the act of presenting the main points or structure of something.

defining something

Centers on providing a clear and precise meaning of a term or concept.

expounding on something

Suggests elaborating on a topic in detail.

delineating something

Focuses on describing something precisely or indicating its boundaries.

unraveling something

Implies revealing the complexities or mysteries of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "explaining something" to describe the act of clarifying an idea or concept. For example, "She spent hours "explaining something" complex in simple terms."

What are some alternatives to "explaining something"?

Alternatives include "clarifying something", "elucidating something", or "interpreting something", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "explaining something" formal or informal?

"Explaining something" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific vocabulary and complexity of the explanation should be adjusted to suit the audience and situation.

What's the difference between "explaining something" and "demonstrating something"?

"Explaining something" involves making a concept clear through words, while "demonstrating something" involves showing how something works or is done through actions or examples. You might explain the theory behind a process and then demonstrate it practically.