it needs explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs explaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is unclear or requires further clarification. Example: "The concept of quantum mechanics is complex, and it needs explaining for those who are not familiar with the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Imposed civilisation, not that it needs explaining, is a concept rotten to its core.

Vice

The very idea of seeking to understand Corbyn's victory is a slightly loaded one, given that many Corbynites barely think it needs explaining.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in case it needs explaining: screaming and crying and hiding is Not a Cool Vibe. .

Vice

Let's agree that reality is here and that it needs explaining.

Huffington Post

"I don't even think it needs explaining but just wanted to put this out there, as if it even changes one person's perception of something so natural, so normal, so amazing then that's great".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It needed explaining.

The New Yorker

Dr. Dershwitz said that soon after the botched execution, the state asked him to prepare a declaration it could file in court if it needed explaining how the injection of the chemicals muscularly would work and verifying that it would be painless.

The New York Times

But they did concede it needed explaining.

BBC

Something about the notion that Keats might have used laudanum more regularly than his earlier biographers thought seems to stir readers' interest, as though it explains something that needs explaining: the extraordinary creativity of such a young man.

The New York Times

This needs explaining.

The Guardian

That phrase in itself needs explaining.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. For a general audience, use simpler language, while for a specialized audience, more technical terms might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs explaining" for self-evident concepts. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound condescending or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs explaining" functions as a comment on a subject that requires further clarification. It signals a lack of understanding or clarity, prompting the need for additional information. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs explaining" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates something requires further clarification. Though Ludwig identifies the phrase as correct, its frequency is uncommon. It is most often found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the referent is clear and be mindful of your audience to avoid sounding condescending. Consider alternatives like "it requires clarification" for a more formal tone. Remember that the key is to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires clarification

Focuses on the necessity of making something clearer.

it needs to be clarified

Passive voice, emphasizing the action required.

it calls for elucidation

Emphasizes the need for a detailed explanation to shed light on a complex topic.

it demands further exposition

Highlights the need for a thorough presentation of information.

it warrants a deeper dive

Suggests the topic needs to be explored in greater detail.

it merits further discussion

Indicates that additional conversation or debate is necessary.

it should be elaborated upon

Suggests that more details and information should be added.

it necessitates more detail

Highlights that more specific information is required.

it begs for interpretation

Suggests that something is ambiguous and requires analysis.

it invites further analysis

Implies the subject would benefit from additional scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it needs explaining" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it requires clarification" or "it calls for elucidation".

Is "it needs explaining" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it needs explaining" is grammatically correct and commonly used in contemporary English.

What's a less direct way to say "it needs explaining"?

A less direct alternative could be "it merits further discussion", which softens the implication of incomprehensibility.

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

You can use "it needs explaining" to point out something that is not clear or requires more information. For example, "The theory is quite complex; "it needs explaining" in simpler terms".