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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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explains being

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explains being" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to discuss the nature of existence or the act of explaining a state of being, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The philosopher's work explains being in a way that challenges traditional views."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Naharin explains: "Being attentive to pleasure keeps one aware of taking care of oneself.

News & Media

The Guardian

But, she explains: "Being a parent was not how Michael would describe himself.

The emphasis is deliberate, she explains: being local helps to break down the suspicion with which voters can view politicians.

News & Media

The Economist

As Connie Chan, of Uber investor Andreessen Horowitz, explains, being blocked from WeChat is somewhere between being kicked off Facebook and being banned from the entire internet.

As Cameron Tuttle, the best-selling author of "The Bad Girl's Guide to the Open Road," "The Bad Girl's Guide to the Party Life" and "The Bad Girl's Guide to Getting What You Want," explains, being a bad girl is not about acting loose with either your body or your soul.

"I wanted to meet like-minded lethal folks who enjoy young adult novels," is how another student, Michael Taylor, explains being here.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Most, he explains, are farmers.

News & Media

The Economist

The Basques, he explains, are a nation.

News & Media

The Economist

Their limit, she explains, is six sessions.

News & Media

Independent

High ceilings, the American explains, are essential.

News & Media

The Economist

The law, a spokesman explains, is clear.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explains being", ensure the context is appropriate for philosophical or abstract discussions. Consider whether a more direct and common phrase might be clearer for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "explains being" in everyday situations where a simpler phrase would suffice. Overusing such phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains being" functions as a verb phrase with a gerund, attempting to describe the act of elucidating or providing reasons for a particular state of existence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's not always clear, and more direct alternatives might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explains being" attempts to capture the act of clarifying or providing a rationale for a particular state of existence. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness and clarity are questionable, leading to a recommendation for more direct and simpler alternatives in most contexts. While it appears in reputable news and media sources, its usage is best reserved for philosophical or abstract discussions where a deeper exploration of existence is warranted. Because of its tendency to lend a formal and philosophical tone, writers should exercise caution to avoid pretension, and also keep in mind that there are more common alternatives.

FAQs

What does "explains being" mean?

The phrase "explains being" refers to providing reasons or clarification for a particular state of existence or action, often in a philosophical or abstract context. However, it's not a standard or universally accepted phrase in English.

What can I say instead of "explains being"?

You can use alternatives like "clarifies existence", "elucidates existence", or "describes existence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "explains being" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "explains being" is used, it is not considered grammatically strong or clear. A more direct phrasing like "explains the state" or "clarifies existence" might be preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "explains being"?

Use "explains being" when discussing philosophical concepts or abstract states of existence. In more common contexts, simpler alternatives such as "describes the situation" or "clarifies the reason" are generally more suitable.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: