explanatory phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanatory phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a phrase that provides clarification or additional information about a subject. Example: "In the sentence, the term 'explanatory phrase' helps to clarify the meaning of the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The CDS is a 26 item questionnaire, each item requiring a response on a Likert scale from 1 ('Strongly disagree') to 7 ('Strongly agree'), the scale being tagged at each end with an explanatory phrase.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

A noun may be used as the subject of a verb, the object of a verb, an identifying noun, the object of a preposition, or an appositive (an explanatory phrase coupled with a subject or object ).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It repeated adjectives and explanatory phrases from one paragraph to the next, perhaps to jog the dulled short-term memory of the tired long-haul flier.

The Guardian - Books

The biggest are "em" dashes and are used to set off explanatory phrases like, "My friends -- that is, my former friends -- ganged up on me".

The New York Times - Arts

The correct understanding of the questionnaire was ensured in two ways: Explanatory phrases and examples were included in the questionnaire in order to clarify specific Internet-related terms.

BMC Psychiatry

The veteran correspondent, Robert Fisk, who has in the past been critical of "hotel journalism", a self-explanatory phrase, recently coined a new term: "mouse journalism".

The Guardian

The italicized phrases are explanatory notes.

Forbes

Explanatory insertions, like the prepositional phrase in the first sentence and the appositive in the second, should be set off with commas before and after.

The New York Times

He speaks deliberately, savouring his phrases, parcelling them out with stately explanatory gestures.

The Guardian

With more than 350,000 words, phrases, and senses, and hundreds of explanatory notes, this dictionary provides the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of American English available.

Stanford University

It was not a happy choice of phrase since the term is neither self-explanatory nor very descriptive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, place the "explanatory phrase" close to the term or concept it explains. This minimizes ambiguity and improves reader comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "explanatory phrase" when the phrase in question is merely descriptive or ornamental. Ensure the phrase actually clarifies or explains something specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanatory phrase" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "explanatory" modifies the noun "phrase". It is used to categorize or describe a particular type of phrase based on its function. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanatory phrase" correctly identifies a phrase that provides clarification or additional information. While relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. Consider alternatives such as "clarifying phrase" or "descriptive phrase" for nuanced meanings. Remember, the key is to ensure the phrase you're describing truly explains, not just describes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying phrase

Focuses specifically on the act of making something clearer.

descriptive phrase

Emphasizes the phrase's role in providing details or characteristics.

elucidating phrase

Highlights the act of shedding light on a topic, more formal.

illuminating phrase

Similar to elucidating, but suggests bringing understanding.

defining phrase

Indicates a phrase that establishes the meaning of something.

interpretive phrase

Highlights the role of the phrase in offering an interpretation.

explanatory clause

Uses the term 'clause' rather than 'phrase', implying a more complex grammatical structure.

illustrative phrase

Suggests the phrase provides an example or instance.

interpretative statement

Suggests the entire statement is up for interpretation.

reasoning phrase

A phrase that shows or explains the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "explanatory phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "explanatory phrase" to refer to a part of a sentence or text that clarifies the meaning of something else. For example: "In the sentence, the term 'explanatory phrase' helps to clarify the meaning of the main idea."

What is the difference between "explanatory phrase" and "descriptive phrase"?

"Explanatory phrase" refers to a phrase that clarifies or explains something, while "descriptive phrase" refers to a phrase that provides details or characteristics.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "explanatory phrase"?

Some alternatives include "clarifying phrase", "defining phrase", or "illustrative phrase", depending on the specific context.

In academic writing, is "explanatory phrase" considered formal enough?

Yes, "explanatory phrase" is suitable for academic writing. However, for enhanced precision, consider alternatives like "elucidating phrase" or "defining phrase" to better reflect the phrase's specific function.