that explains

USAGE SUMMARY

"that explains" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to provide clarification for a previous statement. For example, "I haven't seen him in a while, that explains why he isn't here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Oh, that explains it.

The New York Times - Books

(Maybe that explains global warming).

The New York Times

Perhaps that explains the chewiness.

The New York Times - Food

— Well, that explains it then.

The New Yorker

So that explains everything.

The Guardian - Film

And that explains everything".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But that explained nothing.

The New Yorker

I guess that explained it.

The New Yorker

Whew: so that explained it.

The New Yorker

"I've experienced that," explained Prof McComb.

BBC

Maybe that explained the slow start Thursday.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that explains" to provide a concise and immediate understanding of a situation. It's effective when the connection between cause and effect is clear but needs explicit acknowledgment.

Common error

Avoid using "that explains" as a standalone explanation for multifaceted issues. Instead, provide a more detailed explanation, using the phrase to summarize a key point within that explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that explains" functions as an explanatory connector. It links a preceding statement or observation to its underlying cause or reason. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to clarify a connection between two related pieces of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that explains" is a versatile explanatory tool, commonly used to connect an observation with its underlying reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds frequent application across various writing styles and contexts. Its primary function is to clarify a situation by providing a logical explanation. Common usage patterns indicate high frequency in News & Media sources, where concise explanations are valued, and also in Academia where it is used to make clear the connection between elements. While its use is widespread and generally acceptable, overuse should be avoided in complex explanations, which would benefit from a more detailed approach. In summary, "that explains" serves as a powerful connector, and should be used to bring clarity when the connection between cause and effect is relatively straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that clarifies

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand.

that illuminates

Highlights a previously obscure aspect, bringing it to light.

that clarifies everything

Emphasizes a complete understanding or resolution.

that sheds light on

Implies uncovering new information that helps to understand a situation.

that puts it in perspective

Offers a new viewpoint or context for better understanding.

that makes sense of

Suggests finding a coherent meaning in something previously confusing.

that unravels

Indicates a process of revealing the complexities of a situation.

that deciphers

Suggests interpreting something that was difficult to understand.

that provides context

Offers background information that aids comprehension.

that resolves

Implies settling or clarifying a misunderstanding or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "that explains" in a sentence?

Use "that explains" to connect a prior statement with its logical consequence or reason. For example, "She's been working long hours; that explains her tiredness."

What are some alternatives to "that explains"?

You can use alternatives such as "that clarifies", "that illuminates", or "that makes sense of" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "that explains"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "that explains" is grammatically correct and commonly used to directly address a previously mentioned point.

What's the difference between "that explains" and "that clarifies"?

"That explains" is used to provide a reason or cause, while "that clarifies" aims to make something easier to understand. They both offer insight, but one focuses on cause and the other on comprehension.