i explain that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I explain that" is a correct and usable form of written English.
It is often used in the context of providing an explanation to somebody else. For example, "I explain that he had to leave the country because his visa had expired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can I explain that?

The New York Times

Now you've got to sit back and say, how do I explain that?

The New York Times

How shall I explain that?

International Journal of STEM Education

Then I explain that networking is just a fancy word for helping.

Forbes

Or: "How do I explain that experts differ on this matter?

BMC Medical Education

I explain that it is not telepathy.

Stanford University

I explain that that's not the point.

The New Yorker

How do I explain that to Alexa?

The New York Times

I explain that nothing happened before that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"How did I explain that to myself?

The New York Times - Style

How could I explain that he was really fascinating?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I explain that" when you want to clearly indicate that you are providing an explanation or clarification. It's particularly useful in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, overuse of "I explain that" can sound repetitive. Consider using more sophisticated verbs like "elucidate", "clarify", or "demonstrate" to vary your sentence structure and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I explain that" serves as a performative utterance, directly signaling that the speaker is providing an explanation. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is a common way to introduce a statement that clarifies or elaborates on a particular point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I explain that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce an explanation or clarification. Ludwig confirms its common presence across various types of text. While extremely common in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it also appears in more formal settings. For formal writing, consider using stronger verbs to vary sentence structure. The phrase is best used when directly clarifying something, but be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let me explain that

Invites the listener or reader to receive an explanation.

I clarify that

Focuses on making something clearer, rather than simply stating an explanation.

I indicate that

Suggests a more subtle way of conveying information, not always a direct explanation.

I point out that

Emphasizes bringing attention to a specific detail or fact.

I mention that

Implies a less formal or detailed explanation.

I state that

Suggests a more formal and direct declaration.

I describe that

Focuses on providing a detailed account or representation.

I elucidate that

Implies a thorough and detailed explanation to remove confusion.

I inform you that

Directly addresses someone while providing information.

Allow me to elaborate that

Offers a more detailed and expansive explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "I explain that" in a sentence?

You can use "I explain that" to introduce a clarification or explanation you are providing in a narrative or discussion. For instance, "I explain that the project's deadline has been extended".

What phrases are similar to "I explain that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I clarify that", "I indicate that", or "I point out that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I explain that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I explain that" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider using stronger verbs such as "elucidate", "clarify", or "demonstrate".

What's the difference between "I explain that" and "I explained that"?

"I explain that" is used in the present tense, suggesting an ongoing or habitual action, whereas "I explained that" is in the past tense, referring to a completed action in the past.