explains to them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explains to them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone providing information or clarification to a group of people. Example: "The teacher explains to them the importance of studying for exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"But no one explains to them why".

The New York Times - Books

A supervisor explains to them all they did right and wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

They are, however, committed to a lost cause, as a landowner explains to them in a forceful address.

The Guardian - Film

The waiter explains to them that the years are named only after animals and that there is a twelve year cycle.

The New Yorker

"I hope somebody explains to them that it's art", an observer muttered, fearful for the pristine purity of a sculpture apparently carved out of giant ice blocks.

The Guardian

Dr. Rothberg said that patients with stable disease who are told they have a blockage naturally assume that angioplasty must be lifesaving, unless their doctor explains to them otherwise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Was it explained to them?

The Guardian - Opinion

It needs to be explained to them".

The New York Times

It was fully explained to them".

The New York Times - Style

We explained to them what we heard.

The Guardian

"I'd explain to them the benefits.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context. While "explains to them" is generally suitable, more formal alternatives like "elucidates to them" may be appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the explanation's source is unclear. Instead of "It was explained to them", specify who did the explaining for clarity and impact: "The manager explained the new policy to them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explains to them" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of providing an explanation to a specific group. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe someone clarifying information or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explains to them" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of someone providing an explanation to a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sees frequent use in news, science, and general contexts. While generally neutral in tone, alternative phrases like "elucidates to them" can add formality when required. It is important to clearly identify the recipient of the explanation to avoid ambiguity. Remembering these points will ensure you use "explains to them" effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifies to them

Replaces "explains" with a synonym that emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

elucidates to them

Uses a more formal synonym for "explains", suggesting a more detailed and thorough explanation.

informs them

Focuses on the act of giving information, rather than the process of making something understandable.

tells them the reason

Specifies that the explanation concerns a reason or justification.

demonstrates to them

Shifts the focus to showing or proving something, rather than simply explaining it.

describes to them

Focuses on providing a detailed account or portrayal of something.

reveals to them

Suggests the uncovering of something previously unknown or hidden.

teaches them

Implies a more instructional or educational context.

advises them

Suggests guidance or recommendations are being given.

communicates to them

A broader term encompassing any form of conveying information.

FAQs

How can I use "explains to them" in a sentence?

You can use "explains to them" to describe the act of someone providing information or clarification to a group. For example: "The instructor explains to them the key concepts of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "explains to them"?

Alternatives include "clarifies to them", "elucidates to them", or "informs them", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is "explains to them" formal or informal?

"Explains to them" is generally neutral and suitable for most contexts. More formal options exist, such as "elucidates to them", if a higher level of formality is needed.

What is the difference between "explains to them" and "teaches them"?

"Explains to them" focuses on providing understanding, while "teaches them" implies a more instructional or educational process involving the transmission of knowledge or skills.