explains the circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explains the circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or event that provides context or background information. Example: "The report explains the circumstances surrounding the incident, helping us understand what led to the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The lawyer presents the case, explains the circumstances and the judge dismisses it.

The New Yorker

Ms Dinoire, 40, a divorced mother of two, explains the circumstances that led to her losing half her face.

The Guardian

Then he walks over to several U.S. Marshals who have screeched to a stop nearby and he patiently explains the circumstances and who he is.

The New Yorker

And Mother explains the circumstances, and Billy says: 'From a personal perspective, I agree with what George is saying; the New Testament has been my guide.

The New York Times

Nothing in the exchange explains the circumstances of Mr. Wisler's request, and Mr. Wisler did not return a call seeking comment.

The New York Times

A second novella, È stato così (1947; "The Dry Heart," in The Road to the City), also deals with an unhappy marriage; the heroine, a former teacher, explains the circumstances that impelled her to murder her husband.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Could you explain the circumstances?

The New Yorker

Nor did it explain the circumstances of the injury.

The New York Times - Arts

Will I be able to explain the circumstances?

The New York Times

Officials there declined to explain the circumstances of his departure.

The New York Times

"I'm not going to speculate because it's for the government to explain the circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explains the circumstances", ensure you provide sufficient detail to give a complete understanding of the situation. Avoid ambiguity and present the information in a logical order.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when "explains the circumstances". Instead of saying "The circumstances were explained by...", opt for the active voice: "He/She/It explains the circumstances" for a more direct and engaging narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains the circumstances" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically serving as the predicate. It indicates the action of providing details, context, or reasons related to a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explains the circumstances" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to convey the act of providing context or reasons behind a particular situation. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary use in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When writing, ensure to offer sufficient details for a comprehensive understanding. Consider alternatives like "clarifies the situation" or "elucidates the context" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifies the situation

Focuses on making the situation clearer, often implying simplification or removal of ambiguity.

elucidates the context

Highlights the act of shedding light on the background or setting, making it more understandable.

details the background

Emphasizes providing specific information about the events or conditions leading up to something.

outlines the conditions

Suggests a structured presentation of the factors and requirements involved.

describes the rationale

Focuses on explaining the reasons or logic behind a decision or action.

narrates the events

Implies a storytelling approach, recounting what happened in a sequential manner.

presents the justification

Highlights the act of offering reasons to defend or support a particular action or belief.

sets forth the scenario

Focuses on presenting a detailed depiction of a possible sequence of events or situation.

lays out the premise

Emphasizes establishing the foundational assumptions or propositions upon which something is based.

spells out the details

Suggests providing very explicit and thorough information, leaving nothing to the imagination.

FAQs

How can I use "explains the circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "explains the circumstances" when you need to clarify the reasons or background of a particular situation. For example, "The witness "explains the circumstances" that led to the accident."

What are some alternatives to "explains the circumstances"?

Alternatives include "clarifies the situation", "elucidates the context", or "details the background" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "explain the circumstances" or "explains the circumstances"?

The correct form depends on the subject of your sentence. Use "explain" with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they", and "explains" with singular subjects or "he/she/it". For example, "He "explains the circumstances"," but "They explain the circumstances".

What is the difference between "explains the circumstances" and "describes the situation"?

"Explains the circumstances" focuses on providing reasons or context behind an event, while "describes the situation" simply recounts what occurred. "Explains" implies causation or background, whereas "describes" is more observational.