that explains it

USAGE SUMMARY

"that explains it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate understanding or clarification. For example: "Oh, so that's why she was in a hurry. That explains it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Oh, that explains it.

The New York Times - Books

Here is a video that explains it.

The New York Times

"Ah, that explains it," says the doctor.

The Guardian

There is no single quality that explains it.

The New Yorker

"There's usually not just one event that explains it all.

The Guardian - Tech

"The Mind of Toyota" is a great book that explains it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We have a need to tell ourselves stories that explain it all.

The New York Times

I did have a Venn diagram that explained it all but I accidentally left it on the train.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"There are no corporate developments that explain it," said the spokesman, Anne Lozzatto.

Los Angeles Times

I guess that explained it.

The New Yorker

Whew: so that explained it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that explains it" when you want to concisely express that you now understand something due to new information.

Common error

Avoid using "that explains it" in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "this clarifies the situation" or "this accounts for the discrepancy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that explains it" functions as a declarative statement expressing understanding or clarification after receiving information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this common phrase is used to indicate that something previously unclear now makes sense. For example, in the provided examples, it is used to acknowledge reasons for someone's behavior or a situation's outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that explains it" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate understanding after receiving new information. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to avoid overuse in formal settings, opting for more professional alternatives. The related phrases provide similar ways to express comprehension, and understanding the common errors can help ensure its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it all adds up

Similar to "that makes sense now", this phrase conveys a sense of comprehensive understanding.

that accounts for it

This phrase proposes that something explains a particular fact or situation.

that makes sense now

This phrase indicates a realization or understanding that resolves a previous confusion.

now I understand

This expresses personal understanding and realization, often after an explanation.

that clarifies everything

This alternative implies a complete and thorough clarification, suggesting all aspects are now understood.

that illuminates the situation

This alternative emphasizes the clarity that the new information provides.

that puts it in perspective

This suggests that something is now understandable within a broader context.

that sheds light on it

This implies that new information has made something clearer and more understandable.

the pieces fall into place

This idiom suggests that understanding comes from seeing how different elements connect.

that unravels the mystery

This indicates that a perplexing situation or problem is now understood.

FAQs

What does "that explains it" mean?

It means that something previously confusing or unclear is now understood due to new information or context.

How to use "that explains it" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone statement after hearing an explanation, for example: "So that's why the store was closed. "That explains it"."

What can I say instead of "that explains it"?

You can use alternatives like "that makes sense now", "now I understand", or "that accounts for it" depending on the context.

Is "that explains it all" more emphatic than "that explains it"?

Yes, "that explains it all" suggests a more complete and comprehensive understanding of a situation, while "that explains it" may only clarify a specific aspect.