the author explains how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the author explains how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or summarizing the content of a text, particularly in academic or analytical writing. Example: "In her article, the author explains how climate change affects biodiversity and ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

At one point early in the book, the author explains how it's possible to graft branches of different, say, citrus species onto one plant.

The New York Times - Books

In his first interview since winning his awards, the author explains how he created his controversial character, Maximilien Aue, and how he is astonished by the book's success.

The Guardian

You are editing a paper in which the author explains how metaphor can make a complex subject like Einstein's theory of relativity more easily understandable.

The New Yorker

A blurred photograph is scrawled with a felt pen message in which the author explains how much silence he needs to write his poetry.

The Guardian

Miles Davis's career took off when the LP format was relatively new; the author explains how Davis, in one way or another, altered the role of the photographed jazz musician, through his staged photos for Columbia Records and otherwise.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, the author explains how to change the flat wings near the back of the stage by sliding them in grooves or turning them like pages in a book.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Writing in Guardian Review earlier this month the author explained how the characters articulate "their frustrations, fears, desires and sadness" one by one.

The Guardian - Books

The author explained how she had been immediately granted a library card after moving to the UK from the US three years ago, allowing her to borrow books despite holding no evidence she was legally in the country.

The Guardian

Most of them are shot outside, with the author explaining how to catch fish with your bare hands, make cords and ribbons from plastic bottles and knives and axes from everyday objects.

The Guardian

In a 2011 interview, the author explained how Lee revolutionised the genre.

BBC

Writer Michael Shnayerson was forthright in labeling New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as "controlling" in his new and unauthorized biography The Contender, and in a conversation with HuffPost Live on Wednesday, the author explained how such behavior affected Cuomo's more-than-ten-year marriage to ex-wife Kerry Kennedy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the author explains how" when you want to clearly attribute an explanation or process to a specific author. This strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the author explains how" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "the author describes", "the author details", or more specific verbs related to the author's action to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the author explains how" functions as an introductory clause that signals the presentation of an author's explanation. It is commonly used to summarize or analyze a text, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the author explains how" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for attributing an explanation to an author. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. While not exceedingly common, it effectively introduces a summary or analysis of an author's perspective. Varying this phrase with alternatives such as "the author describes how" or "the author details how" can prevent repetition and enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the author clarifies how

Replaces "explains" with "clarifies", emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

the author details how

Substitutes "explains" with "details", focusing on providing extensive information.

the author describes how

Uses "describes" instead of "explains", highlighting a depiction rather than an explanation.

the author illustrates how

Replaces "explains" with "illustrates", emphasizing the use of examples and visuals.

the author outlines how

Substitutes "explains" with "outlines", suggesting a summary or overview is provided.

the author indicates how

Replaces "explains" with "indicates", implying a more subtle or indirect explanation.

the author reveals how

Uses "reveals" instead of "explains", highlighting the disclosure of something previously unknown.

the author demonstrates how

Replaces "explains" with "demonstrates", stressing the proof or showing of a process.

the author elucidates how

Substitutes "explains" with "elucidates", indicating a more thorough and illuminating explanation.

the author analyzes how

Uses "analyzes" instead of "explains", focusing on a systematic examination and interpretation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "the author explains how" and "the author describes how"?

"The author explains how" typically refers to clarifying a process or mechanism, while "the author describes how" is more about providing a general depiction or account.

When is it appropriate to use "the author explains how" in academic writing?

It's suitable when you're summarizing or analyzing an author's specific explanation of a concept, method, or finding. Ensure proper citation to maintain academic integrity.

Are there more formal alternatives to "the author explains how"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "the author elucidates how" or "the author details how" for a more formal tone, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Can I replace "explains" with other verbs in the phrase "the author explains how"?

Certainly, verbs like "clarifies", "illustrates", or "outlines" can be used to provide a different emphasis while retaining a similar meaning, depending on the context.