offer a thorough explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer a thorough explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request or provide a detailed and comprehensive clarification on a topic. Example: "In order to understand the complex theory, the professor was asked to offer a thorough explanation of the key concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

DealBook » Little New Insight Into JPMorgan's Trades  |  The New York Times editorial board writes: "A month after the trading losses were first revealed, Mr. Dimon has yet to offer a thorough explanation for what happened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Many viewers were initially confused by the "Showstealer" watermark, so the Web site TechCrunch offered a thorough explanation of the bit in a blog post that called it "the geekiest gag ever").

The New York Times

So the next time you're forced to turn down an offer, consider giving the other firm a thorough explanation of your decision.

Harvard University

He writes in a rather archaic German, riddled with obscure references which require a thorough explanation.

Stanford University

I begin this unit with a thorough explanation of where our water supply comes from.

Yale University

A thorough explanation of the programming steps and how to use the maplet is given.

Computer Physics Communications

A thorough explanation of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.

Johns Hopkins University

For a thorough explanation, the reader can look at information on smartcardalliance.org.org

Forbes

A thorough explanation of the flap's design and execution is presented.

Duke University

Each participant provided written or oral consent after receiving a thorough explanation of the study.

Sports Medicine - Open

I called Tucker for a thorough explanation.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the scope of your explanation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "offer a thorough explanation" when a simpler, more direct explanation would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer a thorough explanation" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the act of providing a detailed and comprehensive clarification or account. Ludwig shows that it is used when someone is expected to elucidate a subject in depth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

32%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offer a thorough explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, designed to convey the action of providing a detailed and comprehensive clarification. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While the phrase is valid, it's important to be mindful of overusing it, as more direct language might sometimes be more appropriate. Alternatives include "provide a detailed account" and "give a comprehensive justification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an in-depth explanation

Focuses on the depth and intensity of the explanation.

furnish a complete explanation

Similar to the original, but uses more formal vocabulary.

provide a detailed account

Focuses on giving a comprehensive narrative or report.

give a comprehensive justification

Emphasizes offering reasons or evidence to support a claim.

offer a complete rationale

Highlights the reasoning behind a decision or action.

present a detailed analysis

Emphasizes the analytical aspect of the explanation.

present a full exposition

Implies a formal and structured presentation of information.

elucidate in detail

Focuses on making something clear and understandable through elaboration.

offer a comprehensive overview

Provides a broad and complete summary, not necessarily focusing on details.

explicate thoroughly

Suggests a detailed and critical analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "offer a thorough explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "offer a thorough explanation" when you want to provide a comprehensive and detailed clarification on a topic. For example: "The scientist will "offer a thorough explanation" of the experiment's methodology".

What are some alternatives to "offer a thorough explanation"?

Alternatives include "provide a detailed account", "give a comprehensive justification", or "furnish a complete explanation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "offer a thorough explanation" or "give a brief overview"?

The choice depends on the context. "Offer a thorough explanation" is suitable when a detailed and comprehensive clarification is needed, while "give a brief overview" is appropriate when a summary is sufficient.

When is it appropriate to "offer a thorough explanation"?

It is appropriate to "offer a thorough explanation" when the audience needs a deep understanding of a complex topic, process, or issue, and requires detailed information to grasp the subject fully.