explaining to you

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "explaining to you" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when someone is providing information or clarifying something for someone else. For example: "I will be explaining to you the new company policies at the meeting tomorrow." "Could you please explain to me how this machine works?" "Thank you for explaining to me why the project was delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I am explaining to you how I think, not how I feel".

The New Yorker

"I was absolutely unaware of the facts I am now explaining to you.

The Guardian - Business

But sometimes, it is a 12 year-old doing the explaining to you.

The Guardian

"I am explaining to you that if you go around the world, you will see that every country is affected," he said.

The Guardian

He may show up late for the meeting, announce he has to leave early and spend his few precious minutes explaining to you how your business works.

The New York Times

With journalism, Hersey once said, the reader is always conscious of "the person who's writing it and explaining to you what's taken place".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

You have heard it explained to you.

Cornell University

I will explain to you everything tomorrow.

The New Yorker

He will explain to you more particularly.

The New Yorker

I can't explain to you".

The Guardian - Sport

I said, "Let me explain to you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explaining to you", ensure your explanation is clear and concise, avoiding jargon or overly complex language that could confuse your audience. Consider your audience's background knowledge and tailor your explanation accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "explaining to you" in a way that implies the listener is incapable of understanding without your help. Instead, frame your explanation as providing additional information or clarity, rather than correcting a perceived lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explaining to you" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a verbal, often used to introduce or describe the act of providing information or clarification to someone. Ludwig examples confirm its use in direct address, where the speaker is actively engaged in conveying understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explaining to you" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of providing information or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms that it appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. It is important to consider the audience and context when using this phrase to avoid sounding condescending or over-explaining. Alternatives like "clarifying for you" or "detailing for you" can be used for a more formal tone, while "walking you through" or "breaking it down for you" are suitable for informal settings. Overall, the phrase is versatile and widely accepted, but its impact depends on the speaker's delivery and the audience's perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying for you

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand, shifting the emphasis slightly from the act of explaining to the result of understanding.

elucidating to you

A more formal and sophisticated way of saying explaining, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

detailing for you

Emphasizes providing comprehensive information, focusing on the specifics and particulars of a subject.

outlining to you

Suggests providing a structured overview or framework, rather than a detailed explanation.

defining for you

Highlights the act of providing a precise meaning or scope, suitable when dealing with terminology or concepts.

illustrating to you

Focuses on providing examples or visual aids to enhance understanding.

demonstrating to you

Emphasizes showing how something works or is done, often through practical examples.

presenting to you

Suggests a formal delivery of information, often in a structured or organized manner.

walking you through

Implies a step-by-step explanation or guided tour of a process or concept.

breaking it down for you

Indicates simplifying complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "explaining to you" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "clarifying for you" or "elucidating to you", which suggest a higher level of sophistication and precision.

What's a more casual alternative to "explaining to you"?

In informal settings, you might use phrases like "walking you through" or "breaking it down for you", which create a more relaxed and approachable atmosphere.

How do I avoid sounding condescending when "explaining to you"?

To avoid condescension, focus on providing helpful information rather than implying the other person lacks knowledge. Frame your explanation as "detailing for you" or "illustrating to you" to offer a clearer picture without assuming ignorance.

Is there a difference between "explaining to you" and "demonstrating to you"?

"Explaining to you" focuses on conveying information verbally, while "demonstrating to you" involves showing how something works through action or example. The best choice depends on whether you're providing information or showing a process.