please explain to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please explain to me" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you are requesting clarification or more information about a topic. For example, "Could you please explain to me how this process works?" Alternative expressions include "please clarify for me" and "can you elaborate for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Please explain to me".

The New York Times - Sports

Please explain to me what women are.

The New Yorker

"Can you please explain to me how you can improve on that?" Smith would try.

The New York Times - Sports

But would someone please explain to me what anyone needs Metro for?

The New York Times

Can you please explain to me why American theatre critics don't take their profession seriously?

The New Yorker

"Please explain to me why your sketch should get to be three times longer than everyone else's".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

Everyone in this crazy post-Web 2.0 world deserves a break, but please, people, explain to me Amanda Congdon's draw and/or why this snippet of WTF is being hosted by ABC?

TechCrunch

Finally, please Yahoo!, explain to me why the woman behind me in the grocery store line insists on tapping my shoulder each time the line moves forward a matter of inches, asking me to "please move ahead"?

Huffington Post

Can someone please explain it to me? Email me at [email protected] with all of your brilliant banter.

The Guardian - Sport

"Please can you explain to me what I'm supposed to be aware of?" "So many people I know are finding things so incredibly different in the past few years.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please explain to me" to politely request information or clarification, especially when the topic is complex or unfamiliar.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your request in an overly passive way. Instead of saying "Could it be explained to me", opt for the more direct and engaging "please explain to me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please explain to me" functions as a polite imperative, specifically designed to request clarification or further information on a particular topic. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please explain to me" is a versatile and widely used phrase to politely request clarification or further information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, adapting the phrasing to suit formal or professional contexts may sometimes be necessary. When writing, remember to be specific about what you need explained and avoid overly passive constructions for a clear and effective request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you clarify for me

More direct and concise request for clarification.

could you elaborate for me

Asks for more detail or expansion on a topic.

would you mind explaining

A more polite and indirect way to ask for an explanation.

can you walk me through it

Requests a step-by-step explanation of a process.

help me understand

Focuses on the speaker's need for comprehension.

shed some light on this for me

Idiomatic request for clarification, implying the topic is confusing.

break it down for me

Informal request for a simplified explanation.

what am I missing

Implies a lack of understanding and asks for key information.

what's the explanation

A more direct and less polite request for an explanation.

I don't understand; can you explain

A combination of stating confusion and directly asking for explanation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "please explain to me" for a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use phrases like "could you clarify", "could you elaborate", or "would you mind explaining" to maintain a respectful tone.

What's a more casual way to say "please explain to me"?

For casual situations, consider using phrases such as "help me understand", "break it down for me", or simply "can you explain"?

Is it redundant to use "please" with "explain to me"?

While "explain to me" is a direct request, adding "please" softens the tone and makes the request more polite. It's generally a good practice to include "please" for better etiquette.

When is it appropriate to use "please explain to me"?

"Please explain to me" is suitable when you genuinely need clarification or understanding of a topic, regardless of the setting, as long as politeness is valued. However, adjust your language depending on the context, such as using more formal alternatives in professional settings.