please explain to us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please explain to us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting clarification or further information from someone. Example: "During the meeting, we would appreciate it if you could please explain to us the reasoning behind the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Please explain to us why anyone would care," the Paul campaign said.

The Guardian

"Your excellency, can you please explain to us the process by which we appoint a lawyer?" she asked.

The New York Times

The man conducting the interview, who is not identified, began by cordially asking Mr. Jalali, "Brother, please explain to us the details of what happened today".

The New York Times

Please explain to us again how the 10percentt who paid 71percentt of the nation's income tax were treated "generously".

The New York Times

Please explain to us what precisely your government's priorities are in regards to agricultural trade reform?

Forbes

Can you please explain to us how awesome this is, and what you hope the future holds for gravity measurement.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Please explain to me".

The New York Times - Sports

Please explain to him.

The New Yorker

Please explain to me what women are.

The New Yorker

Forbes: Please explain to me the difference.

Forbes

Please explain it to us in a way that a 4th grader can understand it.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please explain to us", be specific about what you need clarification on to ensure you receive a relevant and helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using "please explain to us" in very casual settings; simpler phrases like "can you explain?" or "what's this about?" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please explain to us" functions as a polite request for clarification or detailed information. It seeks to elicit an explanation from someone, typically in situations where understanding is lacking or further insight is desired. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is often used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please explain to us" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request clarification or further information. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly used in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While appropriate for various situations, it's best to avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler phrasing might be more suitable. Remember to be specific when using the phrase to ensure you receive the most relevant explanation. Consider related phrases like "could you elaborate for us?" or "can you clarify for us?" for alternative ways to express the same request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explain it to us, please.

Inverts the sentence structure while maintaining the same meaning, adding politeness.

Could you elaborate for us?

Emphasizes a request for more detail or expansion on a topic.

Can you clarify for us?

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand.

Please provide an explanation to us.

A more formal and direct request for an explanation.

Would you mind explaining it to us?

A polite way to ask for an explanation, implying consideration for the other person's time.

Tell us more about it.

A less formal request for additional details or clarification.

Walk us through it.

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

Give us the details.

Requests comprehensive information about a particular subject.

Shed some light on this for us.

Asks for clarification to illuminate understanding.

Enlighten us on this matter.

A more formal way to request information or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "please explain to us" in a sentence?

You can use "please explain to us" when requesting a detailed explanation. For example, "Could you "please explain to us" the new policy changes?"

What's a more formal alternative to "please explain to us"?

A more formal alternative is "please provide an explanation to us". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "explain to us please" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "explain to us please" is less conventional than ""please explain to us"". Placing "please" at the beginning is generally considered more polite and grammatically standard.

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

"Please explain to us" is used when addressing a group or seeking clarification for multiple people, while "please explain to me" is for individual understanding.