help to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"help to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce ideas that clarify, provide context, or make something understandable. For example: The following facts help to explain why the species is endangered.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These four books help to explain why.

The New York Times - Books

Branding and pricing strategies help to explain these fluctuations.

RAI Revista de Administração e Inovação

Several demographic variables help to explain differences in preferences.

Food Policy

Psychological resources may help to explain these individual differences.

Maturitas

Demographic and economic changes help to explain this shift.

The Guardian - Sport

The airplay figures may help to explain this Swedish "phenomenon".

The Guardian - Music

Does that help to explain a rise in these problems?

The Guardian

All of which might help to explain the jibe above.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A few definitions help to explain the differences in speed.

The New York Times - Tech

Such misunderstandings perhaps help to explain all the pussyfooting.

The Guardian - Film

"It will help to explain a lot about your father".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "help to explain" when you want to introduce information that clarifies a subject or provides context for better understanding. Ensure that the explanation directly follows the phrase for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "helps to explain" without actually providing a clear and concise explanation. Always follow up with the details that support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help to explain" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to introduce a reason, factor, or piece of information that contributes to understanding something. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to clarify complex topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help to explain" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that serves to introduce clarifying information or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is frequently used in scientific and news contexts, as shown by the Ludwig examples, but also fits comfortably in more formal or business settings. While highly effective, it's important to ensure that the explanation is both clear and detailed, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives like "assist in explaining", "shed light on", and "provide insight into" can offer subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assist in explaining

This alternative uses "assist" instead of "help", which provides a slightly more formal tone but maintains similar meaning.

offer an explanation for

This alternative phrases focuses on offering an explanation directly.

aid in understanding

This focuses on 'understanding' rather than a direct explanation, shifting the emphasis slightly to the comprehension process.

give reasons for

This alternative means the act of providing logical reasons.

clarify the reasons for

This alternative uses "clarify" instead of "help to explain", directly emphasizing the clarification of reasons.

interpret the meaning of

This alternative focuses on explaining the meaning or significance of something.

shed light on

This is an idiomatic expression that means to clarify or reveal something, offering a more figurative way to explain.

elucidate the factors of

This is a more formal and academic way to express explaining the factors.

provide insight into

This focuses on giving insight, which is a deeper understanding, rather than just a simple explanation.

demystify the concept of

This focuses on making a concept less complex.

FAQs

How can I use "help to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "help to explain" to introduce a reason, a cause, or additional information that clarifies a particular situation or concept. For instance, "These factors "help to explain" the increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "help to explain"?

Alternatives to "help to explain" include phrases like "assist in explaining", "shed light on", or "provide insight into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "help to explain" formal or informal?

"Help to explain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in academic writing, news articles, and everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "help to explain" and "serve to explain"?

"Help to explain" and "serve to explain" are similar, but "serve to explain" often implies a more direct or primary function. "Help to explain" suggests contributing to an explanation, while "serve to explain" suggests being the main explanation.