to explain everything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain everything" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of providing a comprehensive explanation or clarification about a topic or situation. Example: "The teacher took the time to explain everything about the complex theory to ensure all students understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted to explain everything to her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I am not responsible to explain everything," he said.

The New York Times

And maybe I spare him having to explain everything.

The New York Times

Even if they wanted to explain everything, how could they?

The Guardian - Sport

"Our hope was to explain everything," he said.

The New York Times - Science

So I have to explain everything to them".

The New York Times - Magazine

My father-in-law nods, getting ready to explain everything.

The New Yorker

In American movies, you have to explain everything.

The New York Times - Travel

Humanists fear that scientists are taking over their territory and trying to explain everything.

The New York Times

He goes on to explain: "Everything -- muscle, bone, fat -- starts to deflate.

The New York Times

Ms. Case doesn't have to explain everything, just sing it like she means it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience's existing knowledge. Tailor the level of detail in your explanation to match their understanding and avoid overwhelming them with unnecessary information.

Common error

Avoid over-explaining simple concepts. Providing too much detail when it is unnecessary can confuse or bore your audience. Prioritize clarity and conciseness in your explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain everything" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as the purpose or intention behind an action. It indicates a desire or need for complete clarification and understanding, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to explain everything" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses the intention to provide a complete and thorough explanation. Ludwig's analysis shows it is commonly found in News & Media, Scientific and Academic writing, making it versatile for various communication contexts. While generally neutral, consider your audience and opt for more formal alternatives in strictly professional settings. Remember to avoid over-explaining simple concepts and tailor your explanation to your audience's knowledge level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to comprehensively explain

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation.

to give a full explanation

A straightforward alternative emphasizing completeness.

to clarify all details

Focuses on making details clear rather than providing a complete explanation.

to elucidate everything

A more formal alternative emphasizing thorough clarification.

to detail all aspects

Emphasizes providing extensive information about different components.

to spell out every particular

Indicates making every detail extremely clear and explicit.

to account for everything

Implies providing a reason or explanation for all elements involved.

to break down all elements

Focuses on analyzing and explaining each component separately.

to leave no stone unturned in explaining

An idiomatic expression that means explore or explain something exhaustively.

to cover all bases in the explanation

To be thorough and consider all possibilities when explaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to explain everything" when you want to provide a comprehensive account or clarification. For example, "The teacher took the time to explain everything about the complex theory."

What are some alternatives to "to explain everything"?

Alternatives include "to clarify all details", "to elucidate everything", or "to give a full explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to explain everything"?

It's appropriate when you aim to provide a complete and thorough explanation, leaving no significant aspect unaddressed. However, consider your audience and adjust the level of detail accordingly to avoid overwhelming them.

Is "to explain everything" formal or informal?

"To explain everything" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "to elucidate everything" in strictly formal settings.