helps to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helps to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a phrase or clause that provides clarity or understanding to a previous statement. For example: The abundance of water in the area, coupled with the resources available to the residents, helps to explain why the settlement remains vibrant and prosperous.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Public opinion helps to explain that swotting.

The Economist

This helps to explain published experimental results.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

China's growing wealth helps to explain this.

The Economist

This bifurcation helps to explain the story's tonal discrepancies.

The New Yorker

"You Might Remember Me" helps to explain what happened.

The New Yorker

But the bad experience helps to explain current perceptions.

The New York Times

This helps to explain the influx of American capital.

The New Yorker

The dialogue helps to explain their destructive relationship.

The New York Times

This helps to explain the consistent soundness of his judgments.

The New York Times - Books

The plan's Figure 1 helps to explain why.

The New Yorker

"Life and Death in Assisted Living" helps to explain why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "helps to explain" when you want to introduce a factor or piece of information that makes a situation or concept more understandable. It is effective for connecting cause and effect or providing context.

Common error

Avoid using "helps to explain" multiple times in the same paragraph or in adjacent sentences. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms such as "clarifies", "illuminates", or "provides context" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps to explain" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement with an explanation or reason. Ludwig AI highlights its use in providing clarity and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "helps to explain" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a reason or factor that clarifies a particular situation or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms for stylistic variation. The phrase effectively serves to connect information and enhance understanding by offering clear explanations, making it a valuable tool in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offers an explanation for

More formally introduces an explanation, often in academic or technical contexts.

serves to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand, shifting from explanation to direct clarification.

clarifies the reasons behind

Specifically targets the clarification of underlying causes or motives.

assists in understanding

Highlights the act of aiding comprehension rather than directly explaining a cause or reason.

contributes to understanding

Suggests that the phrase is one of several factors that lead to understanding.

gives insight into

Suggests a deeper understanding or a new perspective on the matter.

illuminates the reasons for

Implies a deeper, more insightful revelation of the underlying causes.

provides a rationale for

Offers a logical basis or justification, emphasizing reasoning and logic.

sheds light on

Figuratively reveals or clarifies something previously obscure or unknown.

makes clear

Simplifies and emphasizes the act of making something easily understood.

FAQs

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

Use "helps to explain" to introduce a reason or factor that clarifies something. For example, "The increased demand for electric vehicles "helps to explain" the rise in lithium mining."

What are some alternatives to "helps to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "serves to clarify", "illuminates the reasons for", or "provides a rationale for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "helps to explain" or "explains"?

"Explains" is more direct, while "helps to explain" suggests that it's one of several contributing factors. The choice depends on whether you're giving a complete explanation or just a contributing factor.

What's the difference between "helps to explain" and "sheds light on"?

"Helps to explain" is more straightforward, while "sheds light on" implies revealing something previously unknown or unclear. "Sheds light on" often carries a sense of discovery or revelation.