to be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to introduce an account or explanation of something that requires further context or details to be understood. For example: "The mechanism behind the device is complex, but it can be explained simply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It needs to be explained to them".

The New York Times

How is this puzzle to be explained?

The New York Times - Books

This embarrassment has yet to be explained.

The New York Times - Science

Expect all to be explained next week.

The Guardian

Houston's death has yet to be explained.

The Guardian - Music

City-wide and local implications need to be explained.

The Guardian

Risks and costs need to be explained to the population.

The Guardian

There was instead a pattern something to be explained.

The New Yorker

The ghastly scale of bloodletting has to be explained.

The New York Times - Books

This is something that doesn't need to be explained.

The New York Times

Not death is to be explained, but rather birth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be explained", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs clarification. Providing a brief overview before stating that something needs "to be explained" enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "to be explained" without specifying what requires explanation. For example, instead of saying "This needs to be explained", specify "The underlying mechanism needs to be explained" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be explained" functions as a complement, often following a verb like "need", "remain", or "has". As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces the need for clarification or understanding. The examples in Ludwig showcase diverse contexts where further explanation is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be explained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate that something requires further clarification or understanding. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Make sure to specify precisely what needs explaining to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its usage and context, writers can effectively communicate the need for further elaboration, ensuring clarity and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to require clarification

Focuses on the necessity of making something clearer.

to need elucidation

Emphasizes the need for a detailed explanation.

to warrant explanation

Highlights the justification for providing an explanation.

to call for interpretation

Suggests that something needs to be understood through a specific lens.

to demand clarification

Implies a strong need for removing ambiguity.

to be subject to interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature of the understanding needed.

to necessitate detailing

Emphasizes that something requires thorough description.

to be made clear

Focuses on the outcome of understanding rather than the process.

to have an explanation provided

Passive voice emphasizing the provision of an explanation.

to be accounted for

Stresses the need for a comprehensive justification or reason.

FAQs

How can I use "to be explained" in a sentence?

Use "to be explained" to indicate that something requires further clarification or understanding. For example: "The reasons for the decline in sales have "to be explained" in detail".

What are some alternatives to "to be explained"?

Alternatives include "to require clarification", "to need elucidation", or "to warrant explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be explained" or "to explain"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "To be explained" is passive, focusing on the thing needing explanation. "To explain" is active, focusing on the action of explaining. For example: "The process is "to be explained"" versus "I need "to explain" the process".

What does it mean when something is "yet to be explained"?

When something is "yet "to be explained"", it means that its cause, mechanism, or details are currently unknown or not fully understood. It implies that further investigation or clarification is needed.