that explains everything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that explains everything" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to explain or clarify a situation or an idea. For example, "The professor told me it was a simple math equation, but it was anything but simple. Ah, I get it now - that explains everything!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

As if that explains everything.

The New Yorker

Here's a corrido, or Mexican ballad, that explains everything.

The New York Times

"One sentence that explains everything we're doing!" he said.

The New Yorker

"He's a solicitor," he says, as if that explains everything.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Wurtzel said, "I am not claiming this is a smoking gun that explains everything".

The New York Times

This obsession spawns an ideology that explains everything in terms of the goal, rationalizing all obstacles that may arise and all forces that may contend with the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Sometimes it seems sports exists just to provide analogies that explain everything else.

The New York Times

"No, I'm an énarque," he said, as if that explained everything.

The New Yorker

What if a drone left them a note that explained everything, and we mean everything?

The New Yorker

"Senator Obama is the front-runner," Mr. Stephanopoulos told Howard Kurtz of The Washington Post, as if that explained everything.

The New York Times

He says that ever since he could think he had an overwhelming desire to have a theory that explained everything.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that explains everything" to succinctly convey that new information has clarified a previously confusing situation, but avoid overusing it, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive or sarcastic.

Common error

Avoid using "that explains everything" as a substitute for a more thorough explanation. While it can be a convenient way to summarize, ensure the context is clear and that the phrase doesn't leave the listener or reader feeling uninformed or patronized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that explains everything" primarily functions as an interjection or declarative statement indicating a moment of sudden clarity or comprehensive understanding. It suggests that a newly revealed fact or piece of information provides a complete explanation for a situation. Examples from Ludwig confirm its usage in summarizing or resolving a point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that explains everything" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a sudden understanding or clarification of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its function as an interjection or declarative statement, commonly found in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. While useful for conveying resolution, it can sound dismissive if overused or lacking additional context. Alternative phrases like "that clarifies it" or "that makes sense now" offer nuanced ways to express comprehension. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, and while grammatically sound, its casual nature makes it less suitable for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that clarifies it

Focuses more on the clarification aspect rather than a complete explanation.

that makes sense now

Highlights the understanding gained, implying a prior state of confusion.

that puts it in perspective

Emphasizes a shift in understanding the relative importance of something.

that illuminates the situation

More formal and emphasizes revealing hidden aspects.

that solves the mystery

Suggests a puzzle or problem has been resolved.

that resolves the issue

Focuses on the solution of a specific problem or difficulty.

that gives the answer

Directly implies that a solution or explanation has been provided.

that's the missing piece

Suggests the final element needed for comprehension has been found.

that's the key to understanding

Highlights a central element required for full comprehension.

that reveals the truth

Implies the disclosure of information previously concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "that explains everything" to express sudden understanding or clarification of a situation. For example, "I just learned he's been working two jobs; "that explains everything"!"

What phrases are similar to "that explains everything"?

Alternatives include "that clarifies it", "that makes sense now", or "that puts it in perspective", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that explains everything" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that explains everything" leans towards informal communication. In formal writing, opt for more descriptive and detailed explanations.

Can "that explains everything" sound dismissive?

Yes, if used without additional context or empathy, "that explains everything" can sound dismissive or sarcastic. Be mindful of the tone and the recipient's feelings.