it needs some explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs some explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a particular topic, statement, or situation requires further clarification or detail. Example: "The results of the experiment are surprising; it needs some explanation to understand the underlying factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"As with any scientific data," cautioned Dr. Mitchell of Hebrew SeniorLife, "it needs some explanation of the accuracy of these prognostic tools.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Yeah, that's the honest answer, but it's an answer that needs some explanation.

BBC

This disparity needs some explanation, and I'm not sure I can supply it.

The Guardian - Books

This needs some explanation.

The Guardian

That reference to Henry James needs some explanation.

The Guardian - Books

This is hugely significant and how we got to this point needs some explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

This needs some explanations to put it in some functional context.

eLife

The results were surprising and need some explanation.

Plosone

Figures typically need some explanation, including the meaning of symbols.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

They needed some explanations".

The New York Times

It needs no explanation.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it needs some explanation" when you want to gently point out that something is unclear or requires more information to be fully understood. This phrase is particularly useful in academic, professional, and news contexts where clarity is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs some explanation" for extremely obvious or self-evident situations. Overusing it can make your writing sound condescending or unnecessarily complex. Instead, reserve it for situations where genuine clarification is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs some explanation" functions as a commentary clause, indicating that something requires further clarification or detail. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's usable in English for this purpose. Examples in Ludwig highlight its role in pointing out the need for additional information to enhance comprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it needs some explanation" serves as a signal that a topic requires further clarification. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage in English. This phrase is commonly found in news and media and science contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for a broad audience. When using it, aim for clarity without sounding condescending, and consider alternatives like "it requires clarification" or "it's not self-explanatory" to fine-tune your message. Remember to use it when genuine clarification is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires clarification

Focuses on the act of making something clearer, rather than the need for explanation.

it calls for further details

Emphasizes the necessity of additional information to fully understand something.

it demands a more thorough account

Highlights the need for a comprehensive and detailed explanation.

it necessitates further exposition

Uses more formal language to convey the need for a detailed explanation.

it would benefit from elaboration

Suggests that adding more detail would improve understanding.

it warrants further discussion

Indicates that the topic needs to be examined in more depth.

it's not self-explanatory

Directly states that the subject is not easily understood without additional information.

it needs more context

Highlights the absence of background information necessary for understanding.

it requires additional background

Similar to needing more context, but emphasizes the need for prior knowledge.

it needs unpacking

Suggests that the topic is complex and needs to be analyzed and simplified.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs some explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs some explanation" when referring to a concept, result, or statement that requires further clarification. For example, "The experimental data is anomalous; "it needs some explanation" to fully understand the underlying factors".

What are some alternatives to "it needs some explanation"?

Some alternatives include "it requires clarification", "it calls for further details", or "it's not self-explanatory", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it needs some explanation"?

It is appropriate to use "it needs some explanation" when addressing a topic that is potentially confusing or ambiguous, and where providing additional information or context would enhance understanding. Use it in situations where the audience might not immediately grasp the meaning without further elaboration.

Is "it needs some explanation" formal or informal?

The phrase "it needs some explanation" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, you might opt for alternatives such as "it necessitates further exposition" for a more elevated style.