starts explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts explaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an explanation or when someone begins to clarify a topic or concept. Example: "As soon as the teacher starts explaining the new concept, the students begin to take notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Bryce starts explaining the technicalities of how the song works, while Berninger stares at the table.

The Guardian - Music

"Bob used to wet himself," Jim starts, explaining how their comedy can tickle a little too much sometimes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The thing is, I don't feel capable, and when you've not got that confidence, you put yourself at the back of the queue …" he starts explaining, but then interrupts himself: "I MURDER CATS AND KITTENS".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His rise through the ranks is inspirational, but as he starts explaining his garlic bread screensaver (a nod to northern comedian Peter Kay) it starts to feel like rehashed satire of ineffective local government employees.

The Guardian

He seems a familiar bicoastal type until he starts explaining his conviction that President Barack Obama's election was the culmination of a plot, set in place in the nineteen-thirties by émigré members of the Frankfurt School, to take over Hollywood, the media, the academy, and the government, with the aim of imposing socialism.

The New Yorker

At the University of Southampton, on England's south coast, I met with a chemical biologist named Ali Tavassoli, a lanky, youthful forty-two-year-old with a chilled-out demeanor, which gives way to geeky enthusiasm when he starts explaining the particulars of protein interactions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In union the tackle is just where it starts," explains Walker.

BBC

Then you start explaining more of your business model.

The New York Times

Over omelets I started explaining what a boggy prostate was.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a start, explaining some changed roles.

The New York Times

Start explaining!' But I enjoy it a lot.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starts explaining" when you want to clearly indicate the commencement of an explanation, especially when it follows a prior action or event. For example: "After the introduction, the speaker "starts explaining" the key concepts."

Common error

While "starts explaining" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "begins explaining" or "commences explaining" may lend a more polished tone to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts explaining" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an explanatory action. Ludwig shows many examples where it introduces a description or clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts explaining" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the beginning of an explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While acceptable in most situations, it may be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives such as "begins explaining" or "commences explaining" in highly formal settings. The phrase's versatility makes it a useful tool for writers seeking to clearly signal the onset of an explanatory passage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins explaining

Simple change from "starts" to "begins", maintaining the same meaning.

commences explaining

"Commences" is a more formal synonym for "starts", indicating a more formal register.

initiates explanation

Replaces the verb phrase with a noun and verb, changing the structure slightly.

proceeds to explain

Indicates a sequential action, suggesting the explanation follows something else.

launches into an explanation

Implies a more enthusiastic or detailed explanation.

opens by explaining

Highlights that the explanation is the initial part of a larger discourse.

sets about explaining

Suggests a deliberate and methodical approach to explaining.

undertakes to explain

"Undertakes" implies a sense of duty or commitment to explaining.

kicks off explanation

An informal way to indicate the start of an explanation.

gets down to explaining

Suggests a focus and determination to clarify something.

FAQs

How can I use "starts explaining" in a sentence?

"Starts explaining" is used to indicate the beginning of an explanation. For example: "After a brief introduction, the professor "starts explaining" the complex theory."

What's a good alternative to "starts explaining"?

Alternatives include "begins explaining", "commences explaining", or "proceeds to explain". The best choice depends on the context and desired formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "starts explaining"?

While grammatically correct, "starts explaining" might sound less refined in highly formal contexts. Consider more elevated synonyms like "begins explaining" or "commences explaining" in those situations.

What is the difference between "starts explaining" and "begins explaining"?

The difference between "starts explaining" and "begins explaining" is minimal. "Begins" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "starts", but they are largely interchangeable.