please explain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please explain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clarify or provide more information about a specific topic or statement. Example: "I didn't quite understand your last point. Could you please explain that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Though please explain that Japanese rabbit-on-the-moon reference in your speech before you come over.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serchuk: Please explain that.

Forbes

Would you please explain that to me, Willard?

Huffington Post

But as a kid, for me, she would have to make a separate bowl of spaghetti with plain tomato sauce (or is it gravy? Someone please explain that one to me).

Huffington Post

"Eq2: please explain that the model is about identical viruses".

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

● □ Very difficult  ● □ Somewhat difficult  ● □ A little difficult  ● □ Not at all difficult  ● □ Comments:____________________________ (If answered very, somewhat or a little) Please explain what it was that you found difficult (open ended) a. Do you feel you reported truthfully each week?

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The next time someone with a comfortable paycheck tells you that American workers no longer have a work ethic, please explain to them that right now, there's not enough paid work to go around.

The New York Times

At the end of the experiment, participants were asked two open-ended questions about how the robot functioned to assess their mechanistic knowledge of the robot: "Please explain the process that the robot goes through to move, starting from its motor rotating" and "Please draw a diagram of the process".

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Can someone please explain, then -- in terms that make sense -- why we need the Olympics?

The New York Times

Steve in Los Angeles: Michael, Can you please explain to Dr. Gupta that in the world that most Americans live in, we're not looking for "Health Care Utopia", and having to wait in a doctors office to be seen is something of a luxury many of us can no longer afford.

Huffington Post

Can you please explain why the big fuss over that model Agyness Deyn?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please explain that", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specifically refer to the statement or concept you want to be explained.

Common error

Avoid using "please explain that" without a clear reference. Make sure it's obvious what "that" refers to. Otherwise, the request becomes confusing and ineffective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please explain that" functions as an imperative request. It's used to solicit clarification or further information about a specific statement or idea. As Ludwig AI shows, it’s a direct way of asking someone to provide a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please explain that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to request clarification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a direct and polite way to ask someone to elaborate on a previous statement. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While maintaining a neutral register, it's crucial to ensure clarity in its use by explicitly referencing the statement needing explanation. By avoiding vagueness and understanding its nuances, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance comprehension. Alternatives such as "could you elaborate on that" or "can you clarify that point" can provide stylistic variations while maintaining the core intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you elaborate on that

Uses "elaborate" instead of "explain", suggesting a request for more detail.

can you clarify that point

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making something clearer.

would you mind explaining that further

Adds a polite inquiry using "would you mind", making the request less direct.

can you give more details on that

Focuses on providing additional details rather than a general explanation.

what do you mean by that

Seeks understanding of the intended meaning behind a statement.

can you expand on that topic

Suggests broadening the scope of the explanation.

what's the explanation for that

Phrases the request as a question about the reason or cause.

tell me more about that

A more casual way to ask for additional information.

can you walk me through that

Asks for a step-by-step explanation.

what's the reason behind that

Inquires about the underlying justification or rationale.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "please explain that"?

In a formal context, you could use phrases like "could you elaborate on that further?", "could you provide additional clarification on that point?", or "would you mind explaining that in more detail?"

What can I say instead of "please explain that" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you can use phrases like "what do you mean by that?", "can you tell me more about that?", or simply "can you explain "that"?"

How do I use "please explain that" correctly in a sentence?

Make sure "please explain that" directly follows the statement or idea you need clarification on. For example, "You mentioned a new strategy; please explain "that"."

What's the difference between "please explain that" and "please explain why"?

"Please explain that" asks for clarification on a statement or concept, while "please explain why" requests the reasons or causes behind something. The former seeks understanding, while the latter seeks justification.