it has been explained

USAGE SUMMARY

'it has been explained' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been explained in the past, either to the speaker or to someone else. For example: "I don't understand why we have to do this task; it has been explained to me several times but I still don't get it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has been explained to me by Andy [Flower].

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, it has been explained by the old man himself.

The New Yorker

It has been explained that 200 people [were involved potentially] there has been an internal inquiry..

The Guardian

It is quite a shock, then, to be presented with an abundance of evidence that desertification doesn't happen, at least not in the way it has been explained.

The Guardian

The way it has been explained is that it all comes down to a very slight bias, an asymmetry, in the behavior of a subatomic particle, the neutral B-meson.

The New York Times

"Even after it has been explained to you 100 times, you can still fall prey" to the bias, said Philip E. Tetlock, a professor of management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

The New York Times - Health

Bossa nova was a music of optimism, and it has been explained as a manifestation of the national confidence under President Juscelino Kubitschek, who had taken office in Brazil in 1956.

The New York Times - Arts

At a time when belief in God is more polarizing than it has been in years, when all believers are being blamed for religion's worst excesses, Antony Flew has quietly switched sides, just following the evidence as it has been explained to him, blissfully unaware of what others have at stake.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It has been explained [to the victims' families] that although the offences are not of the same gravity, the maximum sentence for causing grievous bodily harm with the intention so to do is the same for that of attempted murder," Campbell said.

The Guardian

It has been explained that the ideas of Coase and Buchanan are not contradictory, but complementary.

Habitat International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If she'd died, if she'd been seriously injured, how would it have been explained back home?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been explained" when you want to indicate that something has been previously clarified, often emphasizing that the information should already be understood. For instance: "The procedure is straightforward, as "it has been explained" multiple times."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing passive constructions like "it has been explained" can make your writing sound indirect. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice for a more direct and engaging style: "Andy [Flower] explained it to me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been explained" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an explanation has been given. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts. It emphasizes that something is already known or clarified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been explained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that serves to reference a prior clarification. Ludwig AI indicates that its versatility extends across diverse registers, with a slight inclination towards formal and scientific contexts. The phrase effectively signals that information has been previously conveyed, reminding the audience or providing additional context. When using this phrase, consider if a more active and direct voice might improve clarity and engagement in your writing. Alternatives like "it was clarified" or "the rationale was provided" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been made clear

Emphasizes the resulting clarity after the explanation.

it was clarified

Focuses on the act of making something clear, rather than the state of being explained.

the rationale was provided

Focuses specifically on giving the reasoning or justification behind something.

it was elucidated

Implies a more detailed and thorough explanation, often in a formal context.

it has been conveyed

Indicates the transfer of information, which may or may not be a full explanation.

it was detailed

Highlights the level of detail provided in the explanation.

the explanation was given

Focuses on the act of providing an explanation, rather than its reception.

it's been expressed

Indicates that something has been conveyed, although it might not be a formal explanation.

the matter was addressed

Suggests that a topic was discussed and dealt with, potentially including an explanation.

details were shared

Emphasizes that specific details were conveyed, instead of a complete explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been explained" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been explained" to refer back to information that was previously clarified. For example, "The delay is due to unforeseen circumstances, as "it has been explained" before."

What are some alternatives to "it has been explained"?

Some alternatives to "it has been explained" include phrases like "it was clarified", "it has been made clear", or "the rationale was provided", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it has been explained" or a more direct statement?

The best choice depends on context. "It has been explained" is useful for referring to previous explanations, but a more direct statement may be better if you're introducing the information for the first time. For example, instead of "It has been explained that the Earth is round", you could write "Scientists have confirmed that the Earth is round".

What's the difference between "it has been explained" and "it was explained"?

"It has been explained" implies that the explanation has relevance or ongoing effect in the present, while "it was explained" refers to a past event with no necessary implication for the present. For example, "It has been explained why the project is delayed, and we are working to resolve the issues" versus "It was explained at the meeting yesterday."