i should explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I should explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel the need to clarify or provide additional information about a topic or situation. Example: "Before we proceed, I should explain the reasoning behind our decision to change the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I should explain.

The New York Times

Maybe I should explain.

The New York Times

Sorry, I should explain.

Cornell University

11.55am GMT I should explain.

The Guardian - Film

"That was you?" Perhaps I should explain.

The New York Times - Sports

I should explain what I meant.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps I should explain about my parents.

The Guardian

I should explain why I even considered doing this.

The New York Times

I thought that maybe I should explain my situation.

The New York Times

I should explain this column's title, "Robert Bork's Tragedy".

The New York Times

I should explain that we are floaters on Thanksgiving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I should explain" to smoothly transition into providing necessary background information or clarifying potentially confusing points for your reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I should explain". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I should explain" functions as an introductory phrase signaling the speaker's intention to provide additional information, context, or clarification. As shown by Ludwig, it sets the stage for a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I should explain" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce clarification or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use spans various domains, primarily news and media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the explanation that follows is clear and relevant. While versatile, avoid overuse by incorporating alternative phrases like "let me elaborate" or "allow me to clarify" to maintain writing engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i need to clarify

Directly states the necessity of clarification.

allow me to clarify

Highlights the act of making something clearer.

let me elaborate

Emphasizes providing more details.

i feel i should mention

Indicates a perceived obligation to add information.

to put it another way

Offers a rephrasing for better understanding.

it's important to note that

Introduces a significant piece of information.

let me put that in perspective

Aims to provide context for better understanding.

for clarity's sake

Highlights the reason for providing an explanation.

permit me to add

Offers an additional piece of information.

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation for a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "I should explain" to introduce clarifying information or provide context before presenting a potentially confusing statement. For example, "I should explain the process before we begin."

What are some alternatives to "I should explain"?

You can use alternatives like "let me elaborate", "allow me to clarify", or "I need to clarify" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "I should explain" in formal writing?

Yes, "I should explain" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when clarity is paramount. However, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "it is important to note that" if the context requires a higher level of formality.

What is the best way to follow up after using "I should explain"?

After using "I should explain", make sure your explanation is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the point you are making. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that could confuse the reader further.