the caption explains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the caption explains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a caption that provides clarification or context for an image or text. Example: "In the article, the caption explains the significance of the photograph taken during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The headline reads "PW SONGBIRD MC CAIN," and the caption explains, "McCain earned the title 'PW Songbird' because of the propaganda broadcasts he made for the Reds during the Vietnam War".

The New Yorker

Just five minutes ago, the caption explains, that water was human waste.

The New Yorker

The caption explains that after the Allied attack on Dresden, Russians built enormous pyres to incinerate the partly carbonized bodies.

The New York Times - Books

The caption explains this was a well-known site of many assassinations carried out by the National Guard.

The Guardian - Arts

The bright colors in an over-the-shoulder baby carrier known in Mexico as a rebozo and the bright eyes of the child it holds almost divert attention from the sorrow of the woman carrying the child; the caption explains that she was forced to leave her home because of death threats from a paramilitary group.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This, the caption explained, was Tolstoy.

The New Yorker

The caption explaining this scene reads "Burning the mortgage-a memorable event in the typical American home".

The New Yorker

The caption explained that he was a thief (of mobile phones) who had shot himself rather than face the lynch mob outside.The government's response has been uninspired.

The Economist

It was mycelium growing on a bale of straw, the caption explained, "waiting to be turned into broth before being served with a small lump of cultured butter".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The caption explained that on this day, many years ago, a commanding officer denied him a seat on that helicopter, which was shot down less than an hour later.

The New Yorker

The article displayed a photograph of a youthful, dark-haired Tony Bennett in a tuxedo surrounded by four smiling young female fans; the caption explained that he had just serenaded them with one of his all-time hit tunes, "Because of You".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the caption explains", ensure the caption is directly visible and accessible to the audience. This phrase is most effective when the caption is immediately available for reference.

Common error

Avoid using "the caption explains" if the caption is not readily available or easily accessible to the reader. Provide the necessary information directly in your text if the caption's visibility is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the caption explains" functions as an introductory phrase, attributing specific information or clarification to the caption of an image or visual. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and used in real-world contexts to directly reference caption content.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the caption explains" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a caption provides information, clarification, or context related to an image or visual. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While there are several alternatives—such as "the caption clarifies" or "according to the caption"—the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Effective use involves ensuring the referenced caption is readily accessible to the audience. This phrase offers a direct way to guide readers to additional context and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the caption clarifies

Replaces "explains" with "clarifies", focusing on making something easier to understand.

the caption describes

Uses "describes" instead of "explains", emphasizing a detailed account rather than an interpretation.

according to the caption

Shifts the focus to the caption as the source of information.

the caption indicates

Substitutes "explains" with "indicates", suggesting that the caption points something out.

as the caption details

Replaces "explains" with "details", highlighting the provision of comprehensive information.

the caption reveals

Uses "reveals" to suggest that the caption uncovers or discloses information.

the caption specifies

Replaces "explains" with "specifies", focusing on providing precise or particular information.

the caption notes

Uses "notes" instead of "explains", indicating that the caption makes a specific observation.

the caption elucidates

Substitutes "explains" with "elucidates", emphasizing a more thorough and clarifying explanation.

the caption interprets

Replaces "explains" with "interprets", suggesting that the caption provides a specific understanding or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "the caption explains" in a sentence?

Use "the caption explains" to introduce information derived directly from a caption associated with an image or visual. For example, "In the photograph, the caption explains that the event occurred in 1989".

What are some alternatives to using "the caption explains"?

You can use alternatives like "the caption clarifies", "according to the caption", or "the caption describes" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the caption explains" in formal writing?

Yes, "the caption explains" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, or professional documents where image captions are used to provide essential context.

What's the difference between "the caption explains" and "the caption implies"?

"The caption explains" indicates that the caption provides a direct explanation, while "the caption implies" suggests that the caption hints at something without explicitly stating it. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the caption's content.