explains for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explains for" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is typically incorrect because "explain" does not require the preposition "for" when introducing the subject being explained. Example: "The report explains the reasons behind the decision."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I had fallen," he explains, "for an old enchantment.

The New York Times - Books

It neatly explains, for example, why epileptic seizures cause unconsciousness.

The New York Times - Science

A trend in the vertical direction explains, for most variables, about 85% of the observed variance.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Ms Rosenthal explains:For many people reading this, air travel is their most serious environmental sin.

The Economist

"They're not booing, they're mooing," Clint Boon explains, for the benefit of confused newcomers.

The Guardian - Music

His own sign explains: "For your comfort and that of your neighbors, L'Épi Dupin is nonsmoking".

The New York Times - Food

Critics slammed it, he explains, for "trying to be truthful and fanciful at the same time".

The New York Times - Books

This explains, for example, why selfishness is blameworthy whereas stupidity is not.

Nature

A lengthy entry in this book explains for the first time a system of accounting called double-entry book-keeping.

The Economist

Most prefer to claim selective ignorance, which explains, for example, Martha Stewart's defense of her suspicious trading of ImClone stock.

The New York Times - Magazine

So we have to look at the different ways we organise this material that science explains for us.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "explains for" in formal writing. Use "explains" followed directly by the subject being explained.

Common error

A common mistake is adding "for" after "explains". Remember that "explain" does not require "for" when introducing the subject. Instead of "The report explains for the reasons", write "The report explains the reasons".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains for" attempts to function as a verb phrase introducing an explanation. However, it is grammatically incorrect, as evidenced by Ludwig AI. The correct form is simply "explains".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explains for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. The correct usage is simply "explains", followed directly by the subject being clarified. While instances of "explains for" may appear in various sources, they represent non-standard usage. Therefore, it is best to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "accounts for", "clarifies", or "elucidates".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explains

Omission of the preposition 'for' results in correct grammar.

accounts for

Replaces "explains" with "accounts for", indicating a cause-and-effect relationship or justification.

clarifies

Substitutes "explains" with "clarifies", emphasizing the removal of ambiguity or confusion.

elucidates

Replaces "explains" with "elucidates", suggesting a more detailed and thorough explanation.

gives a reason for

Offers a more verbose alternative, explicitly stating the act of providing a reason.

provides an explanation for

Replaces "explains" with the more formal "provides an explanation", adding emphasis.

sheds light on

Uses a metaphorical expression to mean "explains", indicating clarification or revelation.

offers insight into

Replaces "explains" with "offers insight into", suggesting a deeper understanding is provided.

details the reasons for

Provides a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the detailing of reasons.

interprets

Substitutes "explains" with "interprets", focusing on the act of assigning meaning or significance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the verb "explain" in a sentence?

The verb "explain" should be followed directly by the subject you are clarifying. For example, "The teacher "explains" the concept clearly."

What are some alternatives to "explains for"?

Instead of "explains for", you can use phrases like "accounts for", "clarifies", or "elucidates" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "explains for"?

No, the phrase "explains for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct usage is simply ""explains"".

What's the difference between "explains" and "explains for"?

"Explains" is the correct form of the verb. Adding "for" after "explains" is redundant and grammatically incorrect.