just explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just explaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or provide additional information about a topic or situation. Example: "I wasn't trying to offend anyone; I was just explaining the reasoning behind my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I was just explaining to her about the strap-ons.

The Guardian

"Of course all these films are not just explaining.

The New York Times

And when just explaining what it is remains so difficult, proselytizing is that much harder.

The New York Times

As Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance festival, says: "Just explaining the problem isn't enough.

The Economist

We want the listener to piece it together rather than us just explaining it verbally.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm not lecturing, just explaining," he insists, but by now, he is on a roll.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We just explain the situation".

Independent

Just explain to me.

The New York Times

You just explain, explain and re-explain".

The New York Times

Finally, she just explained the concept of virginity straight out.

The New Yorker

It doesn't offer solace, it just explains a situation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just explaining" to soften potentially contentious statements. It can frame your contribution as informative rather than argumentative.

Common error

Avoid using "just explaining" as a way to shut down conversation or invalidate someone's feelings. Ensure your explanation is genuinely helpful and not dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just explaining" functions as a present participle phrase, often used to soften or frame an explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is employed to clarify or provide context without necessarily implying defense or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just explaining" is a grammatically sound and very common present participle phrase used to introduce clarifications or provide context in a non-confrontational way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in a variety of settings, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid misusing it as a means to dismiss concerns. Consider alternatives such as "simply clarifying" or "merely elucidating" for nuances in emphasis. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively employ "just explaining" to enhance clarity and foster better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply clarifying

Emphasizes the simplicity of the explanation.

only clarifying

Highlights that the action is limited to clarification.

clarifying the matter

Highlights making something clearer and easier to understand.

merely elucidating

Suggests a formal and detailed explanation.

shedding light on

Suggests revealing or clarifying something previously unclear.

giving context

Implies providing background information.

outlining the reasons

Focuses on presenting a structured set of reasons.

justifying my actions

Focuses on providing reasons for one's behavior.

providing rationale

Suggests supplying the underlying principles or reasons.

putting it into perspective

Suggests providing a broader understanding of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "just explaining" to introduce a clarification or provide context, for example: "I'm not trying to criticize, I'm "just explaining" how the process works".

What's a more formal way to say "just explaining"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "merely clarifying" or "simply elucidating" instead of ""just explaining"".

When is it appropriate to use "just explaining"?

It's appropriate when you want to provide information or context without appearing confrontational or argumentative. It frames your contribution as informative rather than assertive.

What's the difference between "just explaining" and "justifying"?

"Just explaining" implies providing information or clarification, while "justifying" suggests defending or providing reasons to support something.