the author explained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the author explained that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing or referencing what an author has conveyed in their writing, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "In her article on climate change, the author explained that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It may feel like a shocking turn of the narrative, but the author explained that he had done everything he could to make it seem unsurprising.

The Guardian - Books

The author explained that the reason for the high frequency of severe disability was the delay in seeking treatment.

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

The author explained that the collector's time constant is less than 1 min and the collector's acceptance angle obtained from the test is ± 0.5°, which in combination with the tracking mechanism maximum error (± 0.2°) implies that the system works continuously at almost maximum possible efficiency [5].

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

The author explained that his daily schedule begins with reading the newspaper every morning.

Los Angeles Times

The author explained that he was having more bad writing days than good ones.

Huffington Post

The author explained that she's been "hurt severely" and there is a "ton of pain" associated with the uproar. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The authors explain that strategy involves a specific set of integrated choices that leaders, division heads, and product leaders must answer.

Forbes

The authors explain that, as patients must receive folate supplementation and will be controlled with respect to their B12 status increased hematological toxicity is unlikely to result.

Dermato-Endocrinology

The author explains that he began his investigation as first-time fatherhood beckoned.

The Guardian - Books

In the introduction, the author explains that they can be read in any order and the story will make sense.

The Guardian

In the opening moments the author explains that what follows is not a play but "a story".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the author explained that", ensure you accurately represent the author's original intent and context. Avoid paraphrasing in a way that distorts the author's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "the author explained that" to introduce your own interpretation or opinion. Always ensure that what follows accurately reflects the author's explanation, not your personal view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the author explained that" serves as a reporting clause, introducing a summary or paraphrase of an author's explanation. It attributes a specific explanation to the author, as verified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

45%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the author explained that" is a useful phrase for reporting or summarizing an author's explanation across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academic writing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and its role as a reporting clause. When using this phrase, ensure accurate representation of the author's intended meaning. Ludwig's analysis indicates a neutral tone, making it suitable for formal writing. Remember to avoid misrepresenting the author's explanation and instead focus on accurately conveying their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the author clarified that

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", suggesting a focus on making something clearer.

the author stated that

Replaces "explained" with "stated", presenting the information as a formal declaration.

the author noted that

Replaces "explained" with "noted", indicating the author drew attention to a particular point.

the author indicated that

Replaces "explained" with "indicated", implying the author hinted at or suggested something.

the author detailed that

Replaces "explained" with "detailed", highlighting that the author provided extensive information.

the author described that

Replaces "explained" with "described", focusing on the author providing a portrayal or account.

the author elucidated that

Replaces "explained" with "elucidated", suggesting the author made something easier to understand.

the author revealed that

Replaces "explained" with "revealed", implying the author disclosed something previously unknown.

according to the author

Changes the structure to attribute the information directly to the author.

the author's explanation was that

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the explanation itself.

FAQs

How can I use "the author explained that" in a sentence?

You can use "the author explained that" to introduce a summary or paraphrase of an author's explanation, like this: "In the study, the author explained that the results were statistically significant."

What can I say instead of "the author explained that"?

You can use alternatives like "the author stated that", "the author noted that", or "the author indicated that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to directly quote the author or use "the author explained that"?

Whether to quote directly or paraphrase using "the author explained that" depends on your purpose. Use direct quotes for emphasis or unique phrasing; use paraphrasing to summarize or integrate the author's ideas into your own argument.

What's the difference between "the author explained that" and "the author argued that"?

"The author explained that" suggests the author provided a clarification or rationale, while "the author argued that" indicates the author presented a viewpoint or defended a claim. It depends on what the author did in the specific context.