to explain them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of clarifying or making something understandable to others. Example: "I will provide the necessary details to explain them clearly to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody ever bothered to explain them.

The New York Times - Tech

What would you say to explain them?

The New York Times

Eternity is not needed to explain them.

The New York Times - Science

Having to explain them is awkward.

The Guardian - Opinion

He will have to explain them".

The Guardian

Instead, ask them to explain them.

The New York Times

"He's going to get to explain them.

The New York Times

So let's not try to explain them away.

The New York Times

But we'll still crave doctors to explain them.

The New York Times - Books

A joyful collection of words, and monsters to explain them.

The Guardian - Tech

If there are differences, be sure to explain them.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explain them" when you want to convey the act of clarifying something to someone, ensuring they understand it. For example, "The scientist used a diagram to explain them effectively."

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "them" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent in your writing. Without a clear reference, "to explain them" can become confusing for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain them" functions as an infinitive phrase. Its primary grammatical role is often to express purpose or intention within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to explain them" is a grammatically sound and very common infinitive phrase used to express the intention of clarifying or making something understandable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's generally neutral in register, ensuring a clear antecedent for "them" is essential to avoid ambiguity. Considering the context and audience will help in choosing the most effective way to "explain them", whether through detailed explanations or simplified breakdowns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify them

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", emphasizing making something easier to understand.

to elucidate them

Uses "elucidate", which suggests shedding light on something complex.

to make them clear

Shifts the focus to the result of explaining, which is clarity.

to provide an explanation for them

Adds formality by using "provide an explanation for", suitable for formal contexts.

to offer insight into them

Emphasizes the act of providing a deeper understanding or perspective.

to give reasons for them

Focuses on providing the justification or rationale behind something.

to account for them

Implies providing a comprehensive explanation that covers all aspects.

to spell them out

Suggests explaining something in a very detailed and straightforward manner.

to break them down

Indicates simplifying complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.

to shed light on them

Uses a metaphorical expression for clarifying or revealing information.

FAQs

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

You can use "to explain them" when you want to describe the act of making something understandable. For example, "The teacher used examples to explain them clearly to the students".

What are some alternatives to using "to explain them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to clarify them", "to elucidate them", or "to make them clear".

Is it always necessary to explicitly "explain them"?

Not always. Sometimes, the context or prior knowledge might make the subject clear. However, when dealing with complex or unfamiliar topics, providing an explanation is crucial for comprehension.

How does the formality of the situation affect the choice of words used "to explain them"?

In formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "to provide an explanation for them". In informal settings, phrases like "to spell them out" might be more appropriate.