Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

it needs to be explained

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires clarification or further elaboration. Example: "The concept of quantum mechanics is complex, and it needs to be explained in simpler terms for better understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It needs to be explained to them".

News & Media

The New York Times

Mr Shawn is a pianist, composer and professor of music who writes with an enthusiasm and affection for his subject that is immediately engrossing.He believes that a large part of the problem with the way people view Schoenberg's work is that it needs to be explained and defended, rather than simply listened to.

News & Media

The Economist

So it needs to be explained how this conception of truth-making avoids the problem that afflicted (Necessitarian-T) and (Essentialist-T), viz.

Science

SEP

Despite the similarity of GALA-LRRs and CC-LRRs, they have some systematic differences (Figure 1B) and it needs to be explained.

Science

Plosone

It needs to be explained in the text.

Science

eLife

If the consent is "informed" it needs to be explained.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In general it needed to be explained more clearly by each provider of a spectral dataset what corrections, if any, had already been applied to the image data.

In the early 2000s, the most significant concern with the hormesis model was that it needed to be explained in mechanistic terms.

On the one hand, to try to distinguish love as an appraisal from other appraisals in terms of love's having certain effects on our emotional and motivational life (as on Velleman's account) is unsatisfying because it ignores part of what needs to be explained: why the appraisal of love has these effects and yet judgments with the same evaluative content do not.

Science

SEP

One might reply to this last point that it is precisely this choice that needs to be explained.

Science

SEP

4. In the Figure  2 legend, the D123 label needs to be explained, and it should be stated that all other labels are specified in the main text.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs to be explained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject that requires explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs to be explained" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Always specify what requires explanation to prevent confusion and ensure clarity for the reader.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be explained" functions as an indicative statement expressing the necessity for further clarification. It is commonly used, as Ludwig indicates, to highlight that a particular subject requires more detailed elaboration for better understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needs to be explained" serves as a crucial indicator that clarification is required. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, especially in science and news media. When using this phrase, ensuring clarity by specifying the 'it' is vital. Alternative phrases like "it requires explanation" can add nuance. In summary, mastering the use of this phrase involves clear reference and an understanding of the context in which further explanation is needed.

FAQs

What does "it needs to be explained" mean?

The phrase "it needs to be explained" indicates that something is unclear or not fully understood and requires further clarification or description.

How can I use "it needs to be explained" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs to be explained" to point out that a topic, concept, or situation requires more detailed explanation. For example, "The process is quite complex; "it needs to be explained" in simpler terms."

What can I say instead of "it needs to be explained"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires explanation", "it calls for clarification", or "clarification is needed" depending on the context.

Is "it needs explaining" grammatically correct compared to "it needs to be explained"?

Both "it needs explaining" and "it needs to be explained" are grammatically acceptable, though "it needs to be explained" is often perceived as more formal and grammatically complete.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: