required to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "required to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has an obligation or necessity to provide an explanation for something. Example: "The student is required to explain their reasoning during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A bit of municipal history is required to explain.

The New York Times

No longer is the God hypothesis required to explain the intricate complexity of the living world.

The New York Times - Books

However, additional factors are required to explain the weaker fluorescence observed for AB# and ABCD -L609R.

Nature

A very broad perspective is required to explain the history of today's Islamic world.

Britannica

A new paradigm is required to explain patterns of competitive success and failure in information technology.

Harvard Business Review

An identification of further redox processes is required to explain the high degree of radical scavenging.

Polymer

No mystical, unobservable, unmeasurable, unfalsifiable, dark occult properties are required to explain any of it.

Harvard University

A more complex model is required to explain the recorded Eurasian archaeological cultural mosaic.

Quaternary Science Reviews

He will be required to explain any deposits that raise eyebrows.

The New York Times - Sports

Required to explain the bankruptcy in court filings, HCR ManorCare began its narrative with the sale-leaseback deal.

The Washington Post

Therefore, further studies are required to explain these findings deeply.

Nano-Micro Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "required to explain", ensure that the subject who is doing the explaining and the object being explained are clearly defined in your sentence for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "required to explain" in overly passive constructions that obscure who is responsible for the explanation. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "required to explain" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adjectival modifier describing a noun or pronoun that is obligated to provide an explanation. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is versatile and appears across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "required to explain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes an obligation to provide an explanation. According to Ludwig AI, it appears predominantly in scientific and news contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "obliged to clarify" or "needed to elaborate" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. It's crucial to use this phrase in active voice to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. With a high expert rating and widespread usage, mastering this phrase enhances effective communication across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to clarify

Indicates a formal or moral compulsion to make something clear.

needed to elaborate

Highlights the necessity of providing more detail or information.

necessary to explicate

Stresses the importance of a detailed and thorough explanation.

duty-bound to account for

Emphasizes a sense of responsibility to provide a justification or reckoning.

compelled to rationalize

Suggests a need to provide a logical basis or justification, often in response to criticism.

tasked with justifying

Highlights the assignment of the responsibility to provide a valid reason or explanation.

expected to provide reasons for

Indicates an anticipation or expectation of receiving explanations for something.

called upon to account for

Suggests a formal request or demand for an explanation or justification.

under an obligation to clarify

Highlights a binding requirement to make something clear and understandable.

accountable for explaining

Emphasizes responsibility and the expectation of providing a clear explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "required to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "required to explain" to indicate an obligation or necessity to provide an explanation. For example: "The defendant is required to explain his actions".

What are some alternatives to "required to explain"?

Alternatives include "obliged to clarify", "needed to elaborate", or "necessary to explicate", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "require to explain" instead of "required to explain"?

No, "require to explain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "required to explain", using the past participle of "require".

What is the difference between "required to explain" and "asked to explain"?

"Required to explain" implies an obligation or necessity, while "asked to explain" simply means a request has been made. You are "required to explain" something if it is expected of you, but you are only asked if someone wants you to.