to explain this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explain this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain something that was previously mentioned in a sentence. For example: "The process is complicated, so I will need to explain this in more detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to explain this?

The Economist

How to explain this turnaround?

The New York Times

It is easy to explain this away.

The Economist

There's no way to explain this.

The New York Times

How to explain this dress business?

The New Yorker

How to explain this lovers' leap?

Independent

What's to explain this turnaround?

The New York Times

How to explain this lack?

The Guardian - Opinion

How to explain this purge?

The Guardian - Opinion

How to explain this development?

The New Yorker

How to explain this discrepancy?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explain this" when you want to clearly indicate that you are about to provide a reason or clarification for something previously mentioned. It's particularly effective in formal writing and presentations to guide your audience through your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "to explain this" as a generic filler. Ensure your explanation adds substantial value and isn't merely stating the obvious. If the connection is self-evident, a more direct transition might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain this" functions as an infinitive phrase that serves as a discourse marker. It signals the speaker's or writer's intention to provide clarification or justification for a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to explain this" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves as a purpose connector, signaling an upcoming explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI points out, its common usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it's best used in situations where a clear and direct explanation is needed. Consider alternatives like ""to clarify this"" or ""to account for this"" to fine-tune the tone and emphasis of your writing. Avoid overusing it and ensure that your explanation adds value to the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify this

Offers a more direct and concise alternative, emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

to elucidate this

Presents a more formal and thorough clarification, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

to account for this

Shifts the focus to providing a reason or justification for the situation.

to interpret this

Suggests providing an understanding or meaning of something, often involving analysis.

to spell this out

Implies a need for detailed and explicit explanation, often for simplicity.

to break this down

Indicates a simplification of complex information into smaller, manageable parts.

to give reasons for this

Focuses on providing a series of justifications or rationales.

the explanation for this is

Introduces a formal statement of the cause or reason behind something.

let me explain this

Emphasizes the speaker's intention to provide a personal explanation.

here's why this is

Offers a casual and direct way to introduce an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to explain this" to introduce a reason or clarification for a previous statement. For instance, "The results were unexpected; to explain this, we need to consider external factors."

What phrases are similar to "to explain this"?

Similar phrases include "to clarify this", "to elucidate this", or "to account for this", each with slightly different nuances in formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "to explain this"?

It's appropriate to use "to explain this" in situations where you need to provide a clear and direct explanation, especially in formal writing, presentations, or when addressing complex topics.

Is there a more informal way to say "to explain this"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "here's why", "let me explain", or "the reason is" for a more casual tone. But consider that these alternatives are less suitable for formal writing.