to explain the idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain the idea of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or elaborate on a specific concept or notion. Example: "In this section, I will explain the idea of sustainable development and its importance in today's world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Daniel was trying to explain the idea of the soul as it was understood in the Hindu Vedanta.

The New Yorker

How else to explain the idea of strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder in a car, trusting they will make it to work just fine?

The New York Times

In a recent letter seen by the VG newspaper, Breivik said ""The court case looks like it will be a circus... it is an absolutely unique opportunity to explain the idea of (the manifesto) to the world".

Independent

And G. E. Moore (1922) used the idea as part of his attempt to explain the idea of intrinsic value.

SEP

To explain the idea of our assignment algorithm when the SPM size is a design constraint, we shall use again the illustrative example in Fig. 4. The three inner loops are executed for each value of the outer loop iterator i from 64 to 191.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

First, there is an obviously intelligible justificatory relationship between wrongdoing and censure as a response which is intended to impose a burden (the burden of condemnation by one's fellows) on an offender for his offence: whatever puzzles there might be about other attempts to explain the idea of penal desert, the idea that wrongdoers deserve to suffer censure is surely unpuzzling.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

(Chief, Fireman) The exercise's complexity, the number of organizations, and the arrangements also made it harder to explain the idea and purpose of the exercise in an easy and comprehensible manner.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

To further explain the idea of degrees of consciousness, Stamos draws an analogy with eyes and eyesight; he claims the eye originated in the animal kingdom at least 40 times, and each instance has allowed for different capabilities.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

For example, when being asked to identify the feature of zhuan in line 1, Kai was able to explain the main idea of each paragraph, instead of only pointing to the paragraphs like what he did in the beginning excerpt (Table 2).

Language Testing in Asia

A simple example is given in Figure 2 to explain the main idea of the migration strategy of the proposed algorithm.

BioMed Research International

For the sake of completeness and in order to explain the key idea of our approach to the reader we will reproduce here the proof of the above known theorem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to explain the idea of", ensure that your explanation is tailored to your audience's existing knowledge. Adjust the complexity and depth of your explanation based on their familiarity with the topic.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex sentence structures when trying "to explain the idea of" something. Simplicity and clarity are key to effective communication. Focus on breaking down the concept into easily digestible components.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain the idea of" functions as an introductory phrase or purpose clause, often used to preface a detailed explanation or clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and accepted way to introduce a concept. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to explain the idea of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce the clarification of a concept. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and versatility. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, including scientific, academic, and general explanations. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and tailor your explanation to your audience's understanding. Remember to avoid jargon and break down complex topics into smaller, manageable parts. Consider alternatives like "to clarify the concept of" or "to elucidate the notion of" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify the concept of

Replaces "explain" with "clarify" and "idea" with "concept", focusing on making something understandable.

to elucidate the notion of

Uses more formal vocabulary like "elucidate" and "notion", suggesting a more detailed explanation.

to illustrate the concept of

Emphasizes providing examples to make the concept clearer.

to delineate the principle of

Focuses on outlining the key aspects of a guiding rule or fundamental truth.

to explicate the theory of

Specifically refers to explaining a formal set of ideas or a model.

to define the essence of

Emphasizes identifying the core, indispensable qualities of something.

to unpack the meaning of

Suggests a process of revealing the layers of meaning embedded within something.

to unpack the significance of

Suggests a process of revealing the layers of significance embedded within something.

to articulate the philosophy of

Focuses on expressing a system of beliefs or values clearly and comprehensively.

to demystify the subject of

Aims to remove complexity and make a topic easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "to explain the idea of" in a sentence?

You can use "to explain the idea of" to introduce a clarification or detailed description of a concept. For instance, "I'm using this diagram to explain the idea of supply and demand."

What are some alternatives to "to explain the idea of"?

Alternatives include "to clarify the concept of", "to elucidate the notion of", or "to illustrate the concept of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "explain the idea" or "explain the concept"?

Both "explain the idea" and "explain the concept" are acceptable. "Idea" is generally more informal, while "concept" can sound more academic or formal. Choose the term that best suits your audience and the context of your writing.

How do you effectively "explain the idea of" a complex topic?

Start with the basic principles, use analogies or real-world examples, and break down the topic into smaller, manageable parts. Avoid jargon and ensure your audience has a solid foundation before introducing more complex details.