i was able to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was able to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past ability to clarify or make something understandable to someone. Example: "During the meeting, I was able to explain the complex project details to the team effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Through tears, I was able to explain what I wanted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, I was able to explain my problem, and he immediately said he would help.

The New York Times

I was able to explain to my readers the sources of my information".

The New York Times - Books

Because I'd been working with them for a long time, I was able to explain it to them.

The Guardian

"Both times he wanted to know if there was a difference between HIV and HPV, so I was able to explain that those are rarely confused with each other," Gates said as the audience laughed.

The Washington Post

At least I was able to explain to the company that the lamb came from Roy de Groot's book, and talked about what a haunting image it gave of a now vanished French cooking culture: the iron pots on the hearth, the shy Provençale lady in the kitchen, the daily bounty from the farms and the hunters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Will I be able to explain the circumstances?

The New York Times

I'm able to explain to them that it's just like a cell phone".

The New Yorker

"I'm able to explain these cultural issues to Westerners because I've been through that frustration, too," she said.

The New York Times

And following specific announcements this morning by the economic secretary to the House of Commons, I am able to explain today how, as we review our work, the Treasury are developing a comprehensive and increasingly proactive framework that will mean at all times we will be able to act quickly in support of the police and the security authorities in rooting out terrorist finance.

The Guardian

None of the congressional offices I contacted, however, was able to explain how this kind of environmental warfare constituted legitimate self-defense.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i was able to explain" when you want to emphasize your capability or opportunity to clarify something in the past. For example, use it to describe how you resolved a misunderstanding or provided necessary information.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "able to" when a simpler verb like "could" suffices. While "i was able to explain" is correct, consider whether "i could explain" conveys the same meaning more concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was able to explain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's past ability to clarify or convey information. It demonstrates the speaker's capacity to make something understandable. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i was able to explain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a past instance where you successfully provided an explanation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase is seen in a variety of contexts, mainly News & Media, Science, and Academia, denoting a neutral tone. Related phrases include alternatives like "i could explain" and "i managed to explain", which offer slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly conveys your capability and the successful outcome of your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i could explain

This alternative is more concise and directly expresses the past ability to explain something.

i managed to explain

This emphasizes the effort involved in explaining something successfully.

i succeeded in explaining

Highlights the successful outcome of the explanation, stressing accomplishment.

i was capable of explaining

This alternative emphasizes capability but sounds slightly more formal.

i had the opportunity to explain

This focuses on the occasion or chance to explain something.

i was in a position to explain

Highlights being in a situation where explaining was possible or appropriate.

i found a way to explain

This alternative puts emphasis on finding a method or approach to explain something.

i clarified

A more succinct way of saying you made something clear, omitting the 'ability' aspect.

i elucidated

A more formal alternative meaning to make something clear or explain in detail.

i conveyed

Focuses on transmitting information, rather than specifically explaining.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "i was able to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "i could explain", "i managed to explain", or "i succeeded in explaining" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey. See also: "i managed to explain", "i succeeded in explaining".

How do I use "i was able to explain" in a sentence?

Use "i was able to explain" to describe a past situation where you successfully clarified or provided an explanation for something. For instance, "After reviewing the data, i was able to explain the discrepancy to my manager."

Is there a difference between "i was able to explain" and "i could explain"?

While similar, "i was able to explain" often implies that there might have been some difficulty or effort involved, whereas "i could explain" is a more general statement of ability. Depending on the situation you want to convey, both could be correct.

When is it more appropriate to use "i was able to explain" versus "i explained"?

"I explained" is a simple statement that you provided an explanation. "I was able to explain" emphasizes your capacity or opportunity to do so, perhaps overcoming some obstacle. Consider the context to choose the more suitable option.