explains to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explains to me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is providing clarification or information directly to you. Example: "She explains to me the complex theories behind quantum physics in a way that I can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

'This is a Gandhi-esque campaign,' he explains to me when I call him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Overseas Chinese," he explains to me, "like to rely on themselves".

The New York Times

Same fellow explains to me that the club is divided into social and theatrical compartments.

The New Yorker

"I grew up with privilege in the midst of bad poverty," Abani explains to me.

The Guardian - Books

"We're going to be more streamlined," Al Khater later explains to me.

The Guardian - Film

Infecting a child and causing her death is murder, she explains to me, her jaw tensing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Please explain to me".

The New York Times - Sports

Just explain to me.

The New York Times

He explained to me what happened.

The Economist

Can anyone explain to me what happened?

The New Yorker

Nothing has really been explained to me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explains to me" when you want to emphasize that someone is directly clarifying something for you, often in a one-on-one conversation or interaction. It adds a personal touch to the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "explains to me" excessively in formal or academic writing. In such contexts, opt for more objective alternatives like "clarifies" or "elucidates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains to me" functions as a reporting verb followed by a prepositional phrase. It indicates that someone is providing information or clarification directly to the speaker. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explains to me" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It indicates that someone is providing direct clarification or information to the speaker. While suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives like "clarifies" or "elucidates" may be preferable in academic writing. Remembering to use "explains to me" to emphasize a direct, personal explanation will ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifies for me

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

elucidates to me

Implies a more formal and detailed explanation.

illuminates for me

Suggests bringing clarity and understanding to a complex topic.

deciphers for me

Emphasizes the act of interpreting something difficult to understand.

breaks it down for me

Indicates simplifying a complex subject into smaller parts.

walks me through it

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

gives me an explanation

A more general way of saying someone provided an explanation.

informs me

Focuses on the act of providing information.

tells me the reason

Highlights the providing of a cause or justification.

shows me how

Indicates a demonstration or practical explanation.

FAQs

What does "explains to me" mean?

The phrase "explains to me" means that someone is providing clarification or information directly to the speaker. It indicates a personal interaction where understanding is being facilitated.

What can I say instead of "explains to me"?

You can use alternatives like "clarifies for me", "informs me", or "elucidates to me" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

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

Use "explains to me" when you want to show that someone is providing a direct explanation to you. For example, "My professor "explains to me" the complex theories behind quantum physics in a way that I can understand."

Is "explains to me" formal or informal?

"Explains to me" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, more objective alternatives such as "clarifies" or "elucidates" may be more appropriate.