requires no explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requires no explanation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is clear and easily understandable without further explanation. You can use this phrase when discussing a topic or concept that is already widely known or understood. Example: "The concept of gravity requires no explanation as it is a fundamental principle in physics that has been studied and proven for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Such an allusion requires no explanation.

The Guardian - Books

But most of the rest of the world requires no explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

The appeal of the latter, which nests on the south shore of Phillip Island, requires no explanation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only the photograph of the torso illustrates its own meaning, requires no explanation, has no ambiguity, can be nothing but what it manifestly appears to be.

The New Yorker

** That a pigeon-headed man is better suited to water than to ice is hardly something that most readers will feel requires no explanation, but Vian isn't interested in explaining what he sees.

The New Yorker

In another track, he lays the chant and beat from James Brown's "Funky Good Time" over a very similar Yoruba religious rhythm, making a musical point that requires no explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He once told an interviewer that land occupied by Israel is biblically promised and its future requires "no explanations or arguments". So why go to a peace conference which, under American guidelines, points to surrendering land?

Los Angeles Times

In Calabria, Lea Garofalo's disappearance required no explanation.

The New Yorker

The best clothes this season require no explanation.

The New York Times - Magazine

These are the heart of the novel, and its redemption; they require no explanation.

The Guardian - Books

The challenges yesterday, which lawyers call peremptory challenges, generally require no explanation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; ensure the subject truly needs no explanation for them, or you risk alienating readers who lack the necessary background knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "requires no explanation" when discussing technical or niche topics, even if they seem obvious to you. What's clear to an expert may be confusing to a general reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requires no explanation" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a preceding subject is self-evident or universally understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to suggest something is clear without needing further elaboration. Examples show this in various contexts, from scientific principles to cultural phenomena.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "requires no explanation" serves as a concise indicator that a subject is self-explanatory or widely understood, streamlining communication by omitting superfluous details. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Usage analysis reveals a neutral register, frequently appearing in news and media, but also present in scientific contexts. When using "requires no explanation", consider your audience's knowledge to ensure the subject is genuinely self-evident to them. Overestimating audience knowledge is a common error that should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "is self-explanatory" or "needs no further clarification" can provide stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is self-explanatory

This alternative directly states that the subject explains itself, implying no further clarification is needed.

is readily understood

This phrase emphasizes the ease with which something can be comprehended, making further explanation unnecessary.

needs no further clarification

This explicitly states that no additional clarifying information is needed.

is patently obvious

This indicates that something is so clear that it's undeniable and doesn't require explanation.

is clear as day

A more figurative expression meaning something is very easy to see or understand.

is a given

Implies that something is a known fact or assumption and does not need justification.

is axiomatic

Suggests that something is a fundamental truth that requires no proof.

speaks for itself

Indicates that the subject's qualities or implications are evident without additional commentary.

is beyond question

Highlights that something is so certain that it cannot be doubted or challenged.

is taken for granted

Indicates that something is so well-accepted that it's assumed and not questioned.

FAQs

How can I use "requires no explanation" in a sentence?

Use "requires no explanation" to indicate that a concept is so well-known or self-evident that further elaboration is unnecessary. For example, "The law of gravity "requires no explanation" to anyone who's ever dropped something."

What are some alternatives to "requires no explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "is self-explanatory", "is readily understood", or "needs no further clarification" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "requires no explanation" in formal writing?

While "requires no explanation" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "is self-evident" or "needs no elaboration" in highly formal or academic contexts.

What should I do if I'm unsure whether something "requires no explanation" for my audience?

Err on the side of caution and provide a brief explanation. It's better to risk being slightly redundant than to leave your audience confused.