have explained

USAGE SUMMARY

"have explained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a present perfect verb tense, and is typically used when you are referring to something that has been completed in the past, but is relevant to the present. For example, "I have explained the situation to the team and they are now on board with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I have explained this.

The New York Times

And I have explained it.

Independent

"Oh, I should have explained," he replied.

The New Yorker

Anyway, it wouldn't have explained anything.

The New York Times

We could have explained it better.

The Guardian - Sport

Clare could have explained this better.

The Guardian - Books

They never have explained their behavior then.

The New York Times - Sports

This might have explained its victory.

The New York Times - Magazine

Should he not have explained his comments?

The Guardian - Opinion

As blue, he might have explained, as a northern sea.

The New York Times

"I don't have a garage," he could have explained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have explained", ensure that the context makes it clear what you are referring to. If necessary, briefly recap the previous explanation for clarity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "have explained" without providing sufficient context. This can make your writing sound repetitive and unclear. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "have clarified" or "have detailed", and ensure each explanation is sufficiently detailed for the reader to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have explained" functions as a present perfect verb indicating a completed action in the past that has relevance to the present. It typically introduces or refers back to information that has already been provided. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have explained" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a prior clarification or detailing of information, relevant to the present context. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse writing styles. While versatile, it is more frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts and should be used thoughtfully, ensuring clarity and avoiding repetitive overuse. Synonyms such as "have clarified", "have detailed", and "have outlined" can add nuance to your writing. "Have explained" can strengthen communication by referencing prior explanation and emphasizing understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have clarified

This emphasizes making something easier to understand.

have elucidated

This emphasizes making something clear and comprehensible, often something complex.

have detailed

This focuses on providing a comprehensive account.

have explicated

This focuses on a detailed analysis and interpretation.

have described

This is a more general term for giving an account of something.

have illustrated

This suggests providing examples to aid understanding.

have specified

This is used when giving precise details.

have conveyed

This emphasizes the act of transmitting information or meaning.

have outlined

This focuses on presenting the main points in a structured way.

have communicated

This is a broader term meaning to convey information.

FAQs

How can I use "have explained" in a sentence?

You can use "have explained" to refer to something you previously clarified, as in "I have explained the procedure already". It is also appropriate when referring to someone else's explanation: "The scientists have explained the phenomenon in their report".

What's the difference between "have explained" and "have described"?

"Have explained" suggests you've made something understandable, resolving confusion. "Have described" simply means you've given an account of something, without necessarily making it easier to understand.

What can I say instead of "have explained"?

You can use alternatives like "have clarified", "have detailed", or "have outlined" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I had explained" instead of "I have explained"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "I had explained" (past perfect) refers to an explanation completed before another point in the past. "I have explained" (present perfect) refers to an explanation completed at some point in the past that is relevant to the present.