to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"to explain" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "My goal is to explain the importance of regular exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To explain.

The Economist

"I'll try to explain".

The New Yorker

I try to explain.

The New York Times

"I had to explain.

The New York Times - Magazine

How to explain it?

The New Yorker

How to explain myself?

Independent

Permit me to explain.

The New Yorker

Sue tried to explain.

The New Yorker

He refuses to explain.

The New York Times

I tried to explain.

The New Yorker

He tried to explain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explain" when your goal is to clarify or make something understandable. Ensure the context is clear and the explanation directly addresses the point of confusion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "to explain" without offering a thorough explanation. Ensure your explanation adds genuine clarity and isn't just a restatement of the original issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across diverse contexts, from news reports to personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to explain" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce clarification or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and very common in written English, appearing frequently in news, media and scientific contexts. While suitable for various levels of formality, ensuring the explanation is thorough and clear is key. Consider using alternatives like "in order to clarify" or "by way of explanation" for nuanced expression. Avoid simply stating "to explain" without providing substantial detail, as effective communication hinges on the clarity and depth of your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by explaining

Highlights the act of explaining rather than the purpose.

in explanation of

Offers an explanation specifically related to something previously mentioned.

in order to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer or easier to understand.

for the purpose of clarification

Highlights the intent to remove confusion or ambiguity.

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation, often in a formal or written context.

as a means of clarification

Suggests that the explanation serves as a method for achieving clarity.

to elucidate

Emphasizes making something clearer through detailed explanation.

for explanatory purposes

Indicates that the following information is intended to provide explanation.

to give reasons for

Focuses on providing the rationale or justification behind something.

to account for

Addresses the cause or reason for something, often unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "to explain" to introduce a clarification or reason, such as: "I am here "to explain" the project's objectives".

What are some alternatives to "to explain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in order to clarify", "by way of explanation", or "to elucidate", each offering a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "to explain" in formal writing?

"To explain" is suitable in formal writing when you need to provide a clear and direct explanation. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "in explanation of" for added formality.

Is there a difference between "to explain" and "to justify"?

Yes, "to explain" aims to make something understandable, while "to justify" aims to show something is right or reasonable. Use "to explain" when clarifying details and "to justify" when defending a decision or action.