let me explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"let me explain" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used when someone is about to give a detailed explanation of something. For example: "Let me explain why I think the new policy is a mistake. First, it doesn't address the underlying problems that have caused the issue..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Let me explain something.

The New Yorker

So let me explain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, let me explain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But let me explain.

The New York Times

Let me explain why..

The Times

Let me explain further.

Forbes

Let me explain, Feifei.

BBC

Well, let me explain.

Forbes

Let me explain how.

Los Angeles Times

Let me explain concretely.

HuffPost

Please let me explain.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let me explain" to smoothly transition into a detailed explanation, especially when addressing a complex topic or differing viewpoint. It signals your intention to provide clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "let me explain". Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "to clarify" or "in other words" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "let me explain" is to serve as a discourse marker, signaling the speaker's intention to provide a detailed explanation or clarification. As Ludwig AI points out, it prepares the audience for a more in-depth discussion of a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

33%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let me explain" is a commonly used phrase that introduces a clarification or detailed explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency across various sources, including news media, academic texts, and scientific publications, underscores its versatility and general applicability. While "let me explain" serves as a neutral starting point, it can be swapped with alternatives like "allow me to elaborate" or "let me clarify" to adjust the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me clarify

This phrase is a more direct and concise alternative to the original.

allow me to explain

Using "allow" instead of "let" adds a touch of formality.

allow me to elaborate

This alternative offers a more formal tone than the original phrase.

i'd like to explain

Shifts the focus slightly to the speaker's desire to explain.

permit me to clarify

Similar to "allow me to elaborate", this phrase also conveys a more formal tone and emphasizes clarification.

i want to explain

A straightforward and direct way of introducing an explanation.

here's the explanation

This presents the explanation more directly, without a prior request for permission.

the explanation is as follows

A formal way to introduce a detailed explanation.

to put it another way

This indicates that the speaker is rephrasing something for better understanding.

in other words

Signals a simplification or rephrasing of a previous statement.

FAQs

How can I use "let me explain" effectively in writing?

Use "let me explain" to introduce a clarification or detailed account, setting the stage for deeper understanding. For example, "Let me explain the reasoning behind this decision."

What are some alternatives to using "let me explain"?

You can use alternatives like "allow me to elaborate", "let me clarify", or "permit me to clarify" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "let me explain" in formal writing?

While acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "allow me to explain" or "permit me to clarify" in strictly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

When should I avoid using "let me explain"?

Avoid using "let me explain" if you are simply stating a fact without providing further context or reasoning. In such cases, a direct statement is more appropriate.