please to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please to explain" is not correct in standard written English.
It is an incorrect construction and does not convey a clear request for explanation. Example: "Could you please explain the process to me?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The local daimyo, Shimazu Nariakira, grilled Manjiro, but the tone was inquisitive more than inquisitorial: please to explain the steamship, trains, photography, etc.

The Economist

Parents, it seems, have always struggled to answer such tricky questions as: "how was the world made?", "what is death?", "why do wars happen?" and "can I have some money, please?" To explain the first three, and other complex inquiries, they had recourse to myths and legends.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Your instructor should be pleased to better explain the thing.

WikiHow

So I went to the doctors and asked them to please explain to the women what we were doing.

The New York Times

Hmm, not really – please allow me to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please feel free to explain the show to our nearsighted friends through the use of semaphore.

The New Yorker

For those unfamiliar with the concept, please allow her to explain.

The New York Times

Please allow me to explain.

Huffington Post

Please allow me to explain myself.

Huffington Post

Please allow me to explain, using my most florid prose and untethered metaphors.

Huffington Post

Before you reach for a can of pepper spray or notify the authorities, please allow me to explain.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting an explanation, use grammatically correct and polite phrasing such as "please explain" or "could you please explain?" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using non-standard constructions like "please to explain". Stick to established grammatical structures to ensure your request is clear and well-received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please to explain" is intended as a polite request for clarification or elaboration. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig identifies it as a non-standard construction, suggesting alternatives for clearer communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "please to explain" is intended as a polite request for clarification, Ludwig identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It is a non-standard construction and should be avoided in favor of grammatically correct alternatives such as "please explain" or "could you please explain?". As noted by Ludwig, these alternatives provide a clearer and more professional way to seek information. The occurrence of this phrase is rare, and while it may appear in various contexts, it is advisable to use standard English for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please explain

Omits the unnecessary 'to', resulting in a grammatically correct and direct request.

Kindly explain

Replaces 'please' with 'kindly' to maintain politeness while correcting the grammar.

Could you please explain

Adds a polite introductory phrase to soften the request and ensure grammatical correctness.

Can you explain, please

Inverts the structure to place 'please' at the end, which is grammatically sound.

Would you explain

Uses a more formal tone with 'would' instead of 'could' or 'can'.

I would appreciate an explanation

Shifts the focus to the speaker's desire for clarification.

Explain, if you please

Uses an archaic and somewhat humorous phrasing.

Please provide an explanation

Emphasizes the act of giving an explanation.

Tell me more about

Requests additional details or clarification on a topic.

Elaborate on

Asks for a more detailed explanation of something already mentioned.

FAQs

How do I correctly ask someone to explain something?

Use phrases like "please explain", "could you please explain", or "can you explain" for a polite and grammatically sound request.

What's wrong with the phrase "please to explain"?

The phrase "please to explain" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use "please explain" or "kindly explain".

Which is correct, "please to explain" or "please explain"?

"Please explain" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Please to explain" is not grammatically sound.

Are there more formal ways to ask for an explanation?

Yes, you can use phrases like "would you explain", "could you elaborate on", or "I would appreciate an explanation" for a more formal tone.