they are explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been clarified or detailed in a previous context. Example: "In the following sections, they are explained in greater detail to ensure understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Miracles can retain their mystery even after they are explained.

The New York Times - Books

They don't function if they are explained; it puts out the fire.

The New York Times

(Holland's figures are even more impressive but they are explained by transit through its huge ports).

The New York Times

Third, experience has shown that people will comply with drug regimes if they are explained properly.

The Economist

But to a great degree, they are explained by social background.

The New York Times

But, anyway, in case those facts that did make it into our interactive have piqued your curiosity, here they are, explained, in all their detailed glory.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"They want to buy items that reflect who they are," explains Lucy Phillips of notonthehighstreet.com.

Independent

The slightest familiarity with historical writing shows that historians believe that they are explaining past events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are explaining the rules to landlords and encouraging them to seek accreditation.

The Economist

And you come back and you have to watch on TV: they are explaining the possibilities.

The New Yorker

They are explaining the reasons why Jonathan Trott has left the Ashes tour after only one Test.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are explained" when you want to indicate that something has been thoroughly clarified or detailed, often in a subsequent part of the text or discussion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice constructions like "they are explained" can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice where appropriate to create a more direct and engaging style. For instance, instead of "they are explained in detail", you might write "the author explains them in detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are explained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (they) receives the action of being explained. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are explained" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive construction used to indicate that a subject has been clarified or detailed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, particularly in science and news media, demonstrating its broad applicability. While useful, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active alternatives for a more engaging style. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in tone, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are clarified

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", focusing on making something easier to understand.

they are detailed

Replaces "explained" with "detailed", emphasizing the provision of comprehensive information.

they are described

Replaces "explained" with "described", focusing on providing a depiction or account of something.

they are interpreted

Replaces "explained" with "interpreted", highlighting the act of assigning meaning or significance.

they are justified

Replaces "explained" with "justified", focusing on providing reasons or evidence to support something.

they are accounted for

Implies that the reasons for their existence or behavior are provided.

they are defined

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or explanation.

they are illustrated

Emphasizes the use of examples or visual aids to explain.

they are presented

Highlights the act of showing or offering something for consideration.

they are elaborated

Focuses on adding more details and expanding on the explanation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they are explained" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions such as "someone explains them", "the text explains them", or "we explain them", depending on the context. This often results in a more direct and engaging sentence.

What is a synonym for "they are explained" that emphasizes clarity?

Synonyms that emphasize clarity include "they are clarified", "they are elucidated", or "they are spelled out".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "they are explained"?

This phrase is suitable in academic, scientific, and technical writing where detailed explanations are common. It's also appropriate in instructional materials and reports where providing clarity is essential.

Is "they are explained" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "they are explained" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It's appropriate for most writing contexts, but more informal alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation or less formal writing. You can rephrase with "they are described".