please explain this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please explain this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting clarification or further information about a specific topic or statement. Example: "I don't fully understand the concept you just mentioned; could you please explain this?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Can anyone please explain this to me?

The New Yorker

Can someone please explain this Bloomberg Businessweek story to me?

TechCrunch

Can somebody please explain this phenomenon to me? Due to reasons outlined here and elsewhere, it is quite evident that for a person of color, a Ph.D. is not enough.

Science Magazine

Please explain this to me".

Huffington Post

"Please explain this to me!" he implored.

Los Angeles Times

Limey Oscar says: Please explain this man.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Q: Can you please explain the situation of this comedy to us? A: In any sitcom, there have to be two ingredients.

Huffington Post

Yes? "Please explain the unusual activity: Georgia?

The New Yorker

"Please explain," the reviewer writes.

Science Magazine

Is it likely to be the same this year and could you please explain why this is?

The Guardian - Travel

Please explain how this is fair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please explain this" in writing, ensure that the context is clear. Immediately following the phrase with the specific item or situation you need clarified makes your request more effective.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your request in a way that diffuses responsibility. Instead of saying "This needs to be explained", use the active voice: "Please explain this". It makes your request direct and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please explain this" functions as an imperative request. It's used to directly solicit an explanation or clarification about a specific topic, statement, or situation. Ludwig confirms this is a valid request.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please explain this" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase to directly request clarification or explanation. As noted by Ludwig, it’s a valid and effective way to seek understanding. While the frequency is classified as uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. For increased politeness, the phrase can be softened by providing additional context. Remember that this is the best way to make sure the person providing the explanation can properly understand the topic and provide the correct details you require.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you elaborate on this?

More formal and polite; emphasizes a desire for a more detailed explanation.

Can you clarify this, please?

Reorders the request to place emphasis on the action of clarification.

Explain this to me.

Direct and straightforward; less polite than the original.

What does this mean?

Focuses on the meaning of something; less direct in asking for an explanation.

I don't understand this; can you explain?

Expresses a lack of understanding before requesting an explanation.

Can you give me more detail about this?

Asks for more specific details, rather than a general explanation.

Please, break this down for me.

Asks for a simplification or deconstruction of something complex.

What's the explanation for this?

Focuses on what the explanation is, rather than who provides it.

Tell me more about this.

More general request for information; less specific than an explanation.

I'm confused; can you explain?

Similar to "I don't understand this; can you explain?", but emphasizes confusion.

FAQs

How can I politely ask for clarification using "please explain this"?

To be more polite, you can soften the request by adding context or acknowledging the other person's effort. For example, "I'm having a little trouble understanding this concept; could you "please explain this"?"

What are some alternatives to "please explain this"?

You can use alternatives like "Could you "clarify this"?", "Can you "elaborate on this"?", or "What does this mean?" depending on the situation.

Is "please explain this to me" more polite than "please explain this"?

Both are polite and acceptable. Adding "to me" can emphasize that you, specifically, need the explanation, but it's often unnecessary. The level of politeness is generally the same.

When is it appropriate to use "please explain this" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in various forms of writing, you may also use it in an email to a supervisor with a clear subject line: "Subject: Request for Clarification - [Topic]". This helps the receiver better understand the point of the message.