needs to be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be explained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something in a sentence requires further clarification or description. For example: "The concept of quantum mechanics can be difficult to understand and needs to be explained thoroughly in order for the average person to grasp it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It needs to be explained to them".

The New York Times

"I think this entire deal needs to be explained to the public," Ms. Breitweiser said.

The New York Times

They proceed on the assumption that a text needs to be explained, modernised, made colloquial.

The Guardian

But, really, the concept just needs to be explained in simpler terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our denial is just one more thing that needs to be explained.

The New Yorker

In early days the product needs to be explained to users in 10 seconds or less".

The Guardian - Tech

VISIBLE, invisible or just plain quintessential, the composition of matter and energy needs to be explained.

The Economist

There is a sense that, somehow, what happened needs to be explained.

Independent

"I told him, 'It's not me who needs to be explained to,' " Mr. Grover said.

The New York Times

Flushed with discovery, Mr. Stein may have forgotten how much of the text still needs to be explained to others.

The New York Times

As a foreigner you know what needs to be explained, what's appealing and what will freak people out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be explained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically requires explanation. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be explained" without a clear subject. Always specify what requires explanation to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "This needs to be explained", specify "This concept needs to be explained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be explained" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement for clarification or further exposition. It highlights that a particular subject or concept is not readily understood and necessitates additional explanation. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in identifying areas needing clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be explained" effectively signals a requirement for further clarification or detailed exposition across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in both news and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "requires further explanation" or "demands clarification" can be used, the key is to ensure clarity regarding what specifically needs explanation. Avoiding vague references and providing sufficient context are crucial for effective communication when employing this phrase. It helps to consider the formality of the register (neutral in most cases) and to specify which aspects need clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires further explanation

Replaces the verb "needs" with "requires" and uses the noun "explanation" instead of the verb "explained".

is in need of explanation

Adds the prepositional phrase "in need of" to emphasize the necessity.

demands clarification

Uses a stronger verb, "demands", and focuses on the act of clarifying something.

explanation is required

Reorders the sentence to emphasize "explanation".

should be clarified

Replaces "needs to be" with "should be", softening the imperative.

additional information is needed

Focuses on the need for more information rather than the act of explaining.

calls for elucidation

Employs more formal vocabulary, replacing "explained" with "elucidation".

more details are necessary

Shifts the focus to the necessity of additional details.

requires more context

Highlights the necessity of providing additional context for understanding.

warrants further exposition

Uses formal vocabulary, replacing “explained” with “exposition”.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to be explained" when you want to indicate that something requires further clarification or description. For example, "The process "needs to be explained" in detail to avoid errors".

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

You can use phrases like "requires further explanation", "demands clarification", or "should be clarified" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "needs to be explained" or "needs explanation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Needs to be explained" emphasizes the action of explaining, while "needs explanation" focuses on the requirement for an explanation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "needs to be explained" and "must be explained"?

"Needs to be explained" indicates a requirement for clarification for better understanding. "Must be explained" implies an obligation or necessity to explain, often due to a rule, regulation, or critical situation. For example, "The safety procedures "must be explained" to all employees".