so as to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"so as to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used when we want to explain the reasons or purpose of taking some action. For example, "He wrote a detailed report so as to explain the current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The alteration in the structural-acoustic coupling is also analyzed so as to explain the mechanisms of sound attenuation.

Applied Acoustics

These irreversible surface processes were considered along with reversible reactions like oxygen adsorption and reations involving protons and WO2−4 so as to explain the observed unusual emf dependence on both, the activity of dissolved oxygen and the solution acidity.

Electrochimica Acta

The first series of arguments discussed is those known as "inferences to the best explanation". That is, we posit the existence of things we cannot see so as to explain something else that is generally agreed to take place.

Yale University

And what the physicalist would need to do for each one of those — For each one of those you can imagine a dualist who says, "We need to believe in a soul so as to explain séances.

Yale University

I needed to be drunk so as to explain to myself why, in the middle of the night, I had decided to come to the flat of a man who washed dishes for the thugs at Barry Franks's place.

The New Yorker

The kinds of arguments we've been considering so far all fall under the general rubric of "inference to the best explanation". We posit — or the fans of souls posit — the existence of souls so as to explain something that needs explaining about us.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most continue to oppose new taxes, without going so far as to explain the consequences.

The New York Times

The interfacial resistance increases with time, but its value is not so high as to explain the increase of the total resistance of the cell.

Electrochimica Acta

Vice-president Cheney went so far as to explain that the "last throes" "can still be a violent period, the throes of a revolution".

The Guardian - Opinion

Pakistan, not India, is back in favour as the partner of choice in South Asia, a tilt so profound as to explain, many insiders believe, the recent early resignation of the American ambassador to Delhi.

The Economist

The paper went so far as to explain its favoured military tactics: "If the order was given, Astute class attack submarines using Tomahawk missiles could wipe out IS HQs in the city of Raqqah.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the clause following "so as to explain" directly relates to and clarifies the preceding action or statement.

Common error

Avoid using "so as to explain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to explain" or "to show" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to explain" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the reason or intention behind the action. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to explain" is a purpose connector used to introduce the reason behind an action or statement. It is considered grammatically correct and is most frequently found in science, academia, and news media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not as common as alternatives like "in order to explain", it serves to add clarity and emphasis, especially in formal contexts. However, it should be used sparingly in informal settings to avoid sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to explain

Replaces "so as to" with "in order to", a more common synonym expressing purpose.

as a means of explaining

Emphasizes the method or way in which the explanation is provided.

to provide an explanation for

Shifts the focus to offering an explanation rather than the action leading to it.

with the aim of explaining

Highlights the intention or goal behind the explanation.

for the purpose of explaining

Formally states the reason for providing an explanation.

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation as a supplementary or clarifying point.

to clarify

Simplifies the phrase to a single verb emphasizing the act of making something clear.

to elucidate

Uses a more formal verb indicating a thorough explanation.

in an effort to explain

Highlights the attempt or endeavor to provide an explanation.

for explanatory purposes

Focuses on the function of something as being intended for explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to explain" in a sentence?

Use "so as to explain" to introduce the reason or purpose behind an action. For example, "He provided detailed data "so as to explain" the project's progress".

What are some alternatives to "so as to explain"?

You can use alternatives such as "in order to explain", "to clarify", or "for the purpose of explaining", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "so as to explain"?

It is appropriate in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the intent behind an action or statement. It's less common in casual conversation.

Is there a difference in meaning between "so as to explain" and "in order to explain"?

While both phrases express purpose, "in order to explain" is generally more common and can sound slightly more natural in some contexts. They are largely interchangeable.