provide explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'provide explanations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to explain something in detail, such as a problem or an idea. For example, "The professor asked the students to provide explanations for their thought process when deciding on a course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The annotations should provide explanations where necessary".

The New York Times

Officials have scrambled to provide explanations.

The Guardian

An adult companion is helpful to provide explanations.

The New York Times

On this matter, we shall certainly ask Iraq to provide explanations and further evidence...

The New York Times

We provide explanations for this behavior based on features of the heavy-hole band.

Solid-State Electronics

Current models of stellar winds and magnetic massive stars do not provide explanations to the observed X-ray pulsations.

Nature

But whether they provide explanations for their rulings or not, soccer referees have plenty else to do.

The New York Times - Sports

It is essentially a trial and error methodology, and does not directly provide explanations for observed system behaviours.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Furthermore, a facilitator present during the design process was necessary to guide the discussion and provide explanations about the data.

Energy Policy

Literature on social and environmental disclosure has sought to provide explanations for corporate decisions to disclose information in annual reports.

Critical Perspectives on Accounting

Diski makes it plausible, however, by keeping close to the messiness of real life, through which we mostly improvise our way and provide explanations afterwards.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide explanations", ensure that the explanations are clear, concise, and tailored to the audience's understanding. Avoid jargon or overly complex language if the audience is not familiar with the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid providing explanations for concepts or information that is already well-known or understood by your audience. This can come across as condescending or patronizing. Instead, focus on providing explanations for the more complex or nuanced aspects of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide explanations" functions as a verbal phrase, where "provide" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (explanations). Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English, serving to express the action of giving or offering clarifications or reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide explanations" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of clarifying or giving reasons, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, appearing across diverse contexts from scientific research to news reporting, and is suitable for neutral to formal communication. When using "provide explanations", clarity and conciseness are key, with consideration given to the audience's existing knowledge. Related phrases, such as "offer reasons" or "supply justifications", offer similar meanings but with subtle differences in nuance. Avoid overexplaining the obvious to maintain audience engagement and demonstrate respect for their understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account for

Implies explaining how something happened or why it is the way it is.

offer reasons

This focuses more on the 'why' behind something, rather than the detailed account.

give reasons

Similar to 'offer reasons', this phrase centers on presenting justification.

present rationale

Implies a structured, logical argument is being provided.

supply justifications

This suggests a more formal and possibly defensive approach to providing reasons.

elucidate the matter

Suggests a deeper, more thorough explanation to remove confusion.

furnish details

Emphasizes supplying specific information, which may or may not serve as explanations.

spell out

Suggests explaining something very clearly and in detail, often for someone who doesn't understand.

clarify the situation

Focuses on making a situation clearer, rather than giving direct explanations.

break down

This focuses on simplifying a complex topic.

FAQs

How can I use "provide explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "provide explanations" when you want someone to clarify something. For example, "The teacher asked the students to provide explanations for their answers."

What are some alternatives to "provide explanations"?

Some alternatives to "provide explanations" include "offer reasons", "give reasons", or "supply justifications".

Is it better to "provide explanations" or "give explanations"?

"Provide explanations" and "give explanations" are often interchangeable, but "provide" suggests a more formal or official context.

What's the difference between "provide explanations" and "offer justifications"?

"Provide explanations" is a broader term referring to any clarification, while "offer justifications" implies defending an action or decision.