how to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"how to explain" can be used correctly in written English.
It is often used when introducing an explanation of something. For example, "Let me explain how to use this tool safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to explain it?

The New Yorker

How to explain this?

The Economist

How to explain myself?

Independent

How to explain this turnaround?

The New York Times

How to explain the jump?

The New York Times

How to explain what happened?

The New York Times

How to explain the difference?

The New York Times

How to explain her?

The Guardian - Travel

How to explain those missing millions?

The Economist

Addiction Myths: How to explain addiction?

The New York Times

But how to explain the different prices?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how to explain", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs explaining. Providing specific details or examples can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how to explain" without a clear subject or context. Always specify what you are trying to explain to prevent ambiguity and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how to explain" functions as an interrogative phrase or statement initiator, setting the stage for a clarification or simplification of a topic. Ludwig examples show it introducing questions or sections dedicated to making something understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how to explain" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, primarily found in news and media contexts. It serves to introduce clarifications or simplifications of various subjects. To use it effectively, always ensure that the subject of explanation is clear and well-defined. Common errors include overgeneralization, which can lead to ambiguity. Alternatives like "how to clarify" or "how to elucidate" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use the phrase "how to explain" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

how to elucidate

Emphasizes making something clear and comprehensible, often something complex.

how to illuminate

Highlights the act of shedding light on a topic, making it more understandable.

how to demystify

Implies removing the mystery or complexity from something.

how to simplify

Focuses on making something less complex and easier to grasp.

how to unpack

Suggests breaking down a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

how to break down

Similar to "unpack", it focuses on dissecting a topic for better understanding.

how to make sense of

Highlights the process of understanding or finding meaning in something.

how to get across

Focuses on effectively communicating or conveying an idea.

how to put into perspective

Emphasizes providing context to aid in understanding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "how to explain" to introduce a question or a statement about clarifying something. For example, "How to explain the theory of relativity to a child?" or "This section will cover how to explain the process step by step."

What are some alternatives to "how to explain"?

Some alternatives include "how to clarify", "how to elucidate", or "how to demystify", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "how to explain about" instead of "how to explain"?

It is generally more concise and grammatically preferred to use "how to explain" directly followed by the subject, rather than adding "about". For example, use "how to explain the concept" instead of "how to explain about the concept".

What's the difference between "how to explain" and "how to describe"?

"How to explain" focuses on making something understandable, often by simplifying or clarifying complex aspects. "How to describe", on the other hand, focuses on providing details and characteristics without necessarily simplifying or clarifying.