need to be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires clarification or further elaboration. Example: "The complex theory behind quantum mechanics needs to be explained in simpler terms for better understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

City-wide and local implications need to be explained.

The Guardian

Risks and costs need to be explained to the population.

The Guardian

This is something that doesn't need to be explained.

The New York Times

They are themselves things that need to be explained.

The New Yorker

"Special arrangements such as lower retirement ages and higher contribution rates need to be explained.

The Guardian - Business

But abstruse ideas and formulas need to be explained and dramatized.

The New York Times

Doesn't need to be explained, it only needs to be played again.

The New York Times

These need to be explained and discussed; I use Homer Simpson and Edward Cullen as models.

The Guardian

Indeed, "South American Way" includes some cultural references that may need to be explained to outsiders.

The New York Times

And in a classic American move, even the simplest things need to be explained.

The New York Times

This table has been omitted from the current declaration and the reasons for the omission need to be explained...

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when deciding on the level of detail required for an explanation. Tailor the explanation to suit their existing knowledge and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be explained" for concepts that are already well-understood by your audience. Overexplaining can be perceived as condescending or unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be explained" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating necessity or requirement. It suggests that something is not readily understood and requires further clarification. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be explained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something requires clarification. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase serves to highlight a lack of understanding and prompt further information or clarification. Related alternatives include "require explanation", "demand clarification", and "must be clarified". When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and tailor the explanation to your audience, avoiding overexplaining the obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require explanation

Slightly more concise; emphasizes the requirement of an explanation.

must be clarified

Emphasizes the importance of clarity and necessity of explanation.

demand clarification

Stronger emphasis on the necessity of making something clear.

call for explanation

More formal; suggests a public or official request for explanation.

warrant further explanation

Indicates that additional explanation is justified or needed.

should be elucidated

More formal and academic; suggests a need for detailed clarification.

require further detailing

Emphasizes the need for more detailed information or specifics.

are in need of interpretation

Highlights the necessity to interpret and understand something.

necessitate further description

Highlights the necessity of providing a description and understanding.

beg for understanding

More emphatic and highlights the difficulty in understanding something

FAQs

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

You can use "need to be explained" to indicate that something requires clarification or further elaboration. For example, "The complex theory behind quantum mechanics "need to be explained" in simpler terms for better understanding."

What are some alternatives to "need to be explained"?

Alternatives include "require explanation", "demand clarification", or "must be clarified", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "need to be explained"?

It's appropriate when introducing complex topics, addressing ambiguities, or highlighting information gaps that require further elaboration to ensure understanding.

Is there a difference between "needs to be explained" and "need to be explained"?

"Needs to be explained" is used with singular nouns (e.g., "The concept needs to be explained"), while "need to be explained" is used with plural nouns or non-countable nouns (e.g., "These concepts need to be explained" or "The situation needs to be explained").