in explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

"in explaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a reason or explanation for something. For example, "In explaining why he had missed the deadline, he gave several valid excuses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have done a great service in explaining why.

The New York Times

Mr. Koyen said in explaining his actions.

The New York Times

I'm afraid I'm constrained in explaining that.

The Guardian

In explaining this, different levels of state engagement are emphasised.

Journal of Transport Geography

I am interested in explaining patterns of biological diversity.

Yale University

Some Democrats expressed the same view in explaining their opposition.

The New York Times - Health

Critics say he has been opaque in explaining its dealings.

The Guardian

A mechanical model is helpful in explaining longitudinal waves.

Britannica

In explaining this notion Wolfram is inventive and ingenious.

The Guardian - Books

He displayed unusual emotion Wednesday in explaining his motives.

The New York Times

And it is weakest in explaining the bigger picture.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by sometimes placing "in explaining" at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, and other times embedding it within the sentence for a smoother flow.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the subject immediately following "in explaining" is the one doing the explaining. For example, instead of "In explaining the policy, the report was unclear", write "In explaining the policy, the expert was unclear."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in explaining" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a reason, justification, or clarification. It sets the stage for providing an explanation for a particular event, action, or situation. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct way to express the act of explaining.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in explaining" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce reasons, justifications, or clarifications across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed in both formal and informal settings. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the phrase is followed by a clear and relevant explanation, avoiding any misplaced modifiers. Consider using alternatives like "by way of explanation" or "to clarify" to vary your writing style. This phrase finds frequent usage in News & Media, Science, and Academic domains, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation, often as a formal or polite preface.

to clarify

Offers a concise and direct way to indicate the intention to make something understandable.

when clarifying

Focuses on making something clearer, implying a simplification or removal of ambiguity.

to give reasons for

Emphasizes the act of providing multiple reasons or a comprehensive rationale.

in detailing

Highlights the act of providing specific information and particulars.

in elucidating

Suggests a more detailed and thorough explanation, often of a complex subject.

for purposes of illustration

Introduces an example to aid understanding, often in a formal context.

as justification for

Presents an explanation as a defense or reason for an action or decision.

in expounding on

Suggests a thorough and elaborate explanation, often with a focus on detail and expansion.

when rationalizing

Implies providing a logical or justifiable reason, sometimes in the face of criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "in explaining" in a sentence?

You can use "in explaining" to introduce a reason or clarification. For example: "In explaining his absence, he cited a family emergency."

What are some alternatives to "in explaining"?

Alternatives to "in explaining" include "by way of explanation", "to clarify", or "when clarifying".

Is there a difference between "in explaining" and "when explaining"?

"In explaining" focuses on the act of giving an explanation as a reason or context, while "when explaining" refers to a specific time or instance during the explanation process. They are close in meaning, but not always interchangeable.

When is it best to use "in explaining" over other similar phrases?

Use "in explaining" when you want to emphasize the act of providing a reason or justification, often in a more formal or analytical context. For example: "In explaining the economic downturn, the economist highlighted several factors."