give an explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give an explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to clarify or elaborate on a particular topic or concept. Example: "Please give an explanation of the theory behind this experiment so that everyone can understand it better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I just couldn't give an explanation of it.

The New York Times - Books

Miller will appear before the union to give an explanation of his actions, detailed last week in The New York Times.

The New York Times - Sports

Live Science asked the historian Lorenzo DiTommaso to give an explanation of why people like thinking about the end of the world: The apocalyptic worldview springs from a desire to reconcile two conflicting beliefs.

The New Yorker

A Tokyo-based spokesman for Olympus said he could not give an explanation of why Mr. Kikukawa had given a different figure for the Gyrus fees to Nikkei on Tuesday.

The New York Times

In contrast, every leading exponent of the new wisdom stated that he had achieved or received it through a private illumination, dream (at times inspired by the Prophet Muhammad), or vision and on this basis proceeded to give an explanation of the inner structure of natural and divine things.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Let us use the ordinary 3D shape retrieval as an example to give an explanation of the BWs framework.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Then, according to Mrs. Khoder, after she gave an explanation of the tickets, the judge again referred to terrorism.

The New York Times

It also gives an explanation of some of the reasons for the difference between a planned and an actual income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paul Smith London Nobody has ever given an explanation of the difference between the "moderate" groups fighting in Syria and the "extremist" groups.

The Guardian

"But don't forget this: If people can be given an explanation of the past, they want to believe in the future".

The New York Times

Dewey also has not given an explanation of the means by which the object expresses emotion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give an explanation of", ensure that the explanation is clear, concise, and tailored to the audience's level of understanding. Avoid jargon or overly technical language unless the audience is familiar with it.

Common error

Avoid constructions where the subject receiving the explanation is unclear. Instead of saying "An explanation was given of...", prefer "The expert gave an explanation of..." to make the actor clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give an explanation of" functions as a verbal phrase used to express the act of providing a reason, clarification, or account of something. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give an explanation of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves the purpose of eliciting or offering clarification on a topic. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions and encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "provide a rationale for" or "offer a clarification of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to maintain clarity and tailor the explanation to your audience for the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a clarification of

Replaces "give an explanation" with "offer a clarification", focusing on making something clearer.

provide a rationale for

Emphasizes the reasons or justifications behind something, instead of a general explanation.

present an account of

Focuses on providing a detailed narrative or report about something.

offer insights into

Highlights the act of providing a deeper understanding or perspective on a topic.

elucidate the reasons for

Replaces "give an explanation" with a more formal term, "elucidate", meaning to make clear.

shed light on

Focuses on revealing or clarifying something that was previously unclear.

spell out the details of

Emphasizes providing very explicit and thorough information.

clarify the nature of

Highlights the act of making the characteristics or essence of something more understandable.

lay out the basis for

Focuses on establishing the foundational principles or reasons for something.

break down the elements of

Emphasizes the act of analyzing and explaining the components of something in a simplified manner.

FAQs

How can I use "give an explanation of" in a sentence?

You can use "give an explanation of" to introduce a clarification or rationale for a topic. For example, "Could you "give an explanation of" the new policy?"

What are some alternatives to "give an explanation of"?

Alternatives include "provide a rationale for", "offer a clarification of", or "present an account of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "give an explanation of" or "provide an explanation of"?

Both "give an explanation of" and "provide an explanation of" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, though "provide" may sound slightly more formal.

In what situations is "give an explanation of" most appropriate?

"Give an explanation of" is suitable in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal presentations. It's a versatile phrase for requesting or offering clarification, reasons, or details about a topic.