explains to him

USAGE SUMMARY

"explains to him" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but most often it is used to indicate that someone is giving information or clarification to another person. Example: Sarah explained to him the proper way to use the new software.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A guard explains to him: He's hungry.

The New Yorker

The referee explains to him that he's on thin ice.

The Guardian - Sport

A guard explains to him: **{:.break one} ** He's hungry.

The New Yorker

Moores explains to him an outcropping of rock which had baffled Deffeyes.

The New Yorker

"Sloth is giving up," Uncle Irwin explains to him, "ceasing to live while you're still alive".

The New York Times - Arts

When she explains to him that she thought he was dead, he dismisses it as a bad dream.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

I explained to him about the wire.

The New Yorker

It is such a difficult question to explain to him.

Independent

"I explained to him, the building came down," she recalled.

The New York Times

Jacqui explained to him what had happened in his absence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explains to him", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the explanation and who is receiving it. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "explains to him" in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated vocabulary might be appropriate, such as "elucidates" or "clarifies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains to him" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of providing an explanation to a male recipient. It shows the act of clarifying or providing understanding. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is commonly used to indicate someone giving information or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explains to him" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of providing an explanation to a male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "elucidates" or "clarifies" may be preferred in certain settings. The frequency analysis indicates that it's most prevalent in News & Media sources, followed by Wiki and Science. Ultimately, understanding the context and intended level of formality is key to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informs him

Focuses on giving someone factual information.

describes to him

Focuses on giving an account of something.

clarifies for him

Emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

details for him

Focuses on providing specific information.

interprets for him

Implies providing a meaning or understanding of something.

elucidates to him

A more formal way of saying explains, often used when the explanation is complex.

outlines for him

Highlights the main points or structure of an explanation.

expounds to him

Suggests a detailed and thorough explanation.

reveals to him

Suggests making something known that was previously hidden.

teaches him

Focuses on imparting knowledge or skill.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "explains to him" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "elucidates to him" or "clarifies for him" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "explains to him" and "tells him"?

"Explains to him" implies a more detailed and reasoned account, while "tells him" is a more general term for conveying information. You would use "explains to him" when clarification or understanding is important, and "tells him" for simple communication.

What are some common situations where I might use "explains to him"?

You might use "explains to him" in situations where someone is clarifying a complex concept, providing instructions, or giving reasons for a particular action or event.

How to use "explains to him" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The teacher "explains to him" the concept of photosynthesis in simple terms."