to explain it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide further details about a specific topic or concept. Example: "I need to explain it further so that everyone understands the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

How to explain it?

The New Yorker

No need to explain it.

The New Yorker

He struggled to explain it.

The New York Times

Ratzinger wants to explain it.

The New Yorker

The C.H.R.B. has to explain it.

The New York Times - Sports

He asked his mother to explain it.

The New York Times

"And Kathleen tries to explain it".

The New York Times

To explain it takes a while.

The New York Times - Health

They are happy to explain it.

The New York Times

I can't begin to explain it.

The New York Times

"How else to explain it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to explain it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase close to the subject being explained.

Common error

Avoid using "to explain it" when the "it" is unclear or hasn't been explicitly mentioned. This can lead to confusion and require the reader to guess the subject of explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain it" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically serves an adverbial purpose, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the reason or purpose behind an action. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its usage in various sentences, like "He struggled "to explain it"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to explain it" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the purpose of providing clarification or justification. According to Ludwig, this phrase is primarily found in News & Media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various forms of communication. When using this expression, ensure that the "it" is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity. You can use other alternative phrases such as "to clarify it" or "to elucidate it" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify it

This alternative focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

to offer an explanation for it

This is a general alternative that works in almost any context where you need to explain something.

to elucidate it

This suggests a more formal and detailed explanation, often used in academic or technical contexts.

to justify it

This implies providing reasons or evidence to support or defend something.

to account for it

This suggests providing a reason or explanation for why something happened or exists.

to give reasons for it

This alternative focuses on listing the causes or motives behind a specific action or event.

to break it down

This suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

to spell it out

This implies explaining something in a very direct and unambiguous way, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

to shed light on it

This suggests revealing new information or perspectives to make something more understandable.

to put it into perspective

This focuses on providing context to help someone understand the significance or relevance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to explain it" when you want to clarify or provide further details about a specific topic or concept. For example: "I need "to explain it further" so that everyone understands the main idea."

What can I say instead of "to explain it"?

You can use alternatives like "to clarify it", "to elucidate it", or "to justify it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in order to explain it"?

Yes, "in order to explain it" is grammatically correct and indicates the purpose of the action. It's similar to using "to explain it" on its own, but adds emphasis on the intention.

What's the difference between "to explain it" and "to explain that"?

"To explain it" refers to something previously mentioned or understood from context. "To explain that" introduces a specific fact, reason, or piece of information. For example: "He struggled to explain it. 'You never know why you are drawn to somebody, you just love them,' he said." vs "I need "to explain that the process is complex"."