to explain this point

USAGE SUMMARY

'to explain this point' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a sentence that explains a previous point. For example, "To explain this point, I want to provide an example."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

One hundred and sixty leading legal figures wrote to the Guardian to explain this point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mainstream neoclassical economics, with its predominant emphasis on markets, struggles to explain this point.

The Guardian

Whitehouse read from a legal opinion he had declassified to explain this point: An executive order cannot limit a president.

The Guardian - Opinion

To explain this point, I'll start with a quote from David Frum's great book "Dead Right," which was written in the early 1990s, in what seemed like a period of exhaustion and defeat for limited-government conservatism, just before the 1994 congressional sweep gave that movement new political life.

The New York Times

Economists have primarily used the theory of interjurisdictional competition to explain this point of view.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

To meet the Referee's request, we have included a paragraph in the Discussion section to explain this point.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We revised the text to better explain this point.

eLife

We also slightly modified the text to better explain this point.

eLife

This is a valid observation and we have now modified the text to better explain this point.

eLife

We have added this text in the Discussion to further explain this point: "Even if the correlation between number of CD33rSiglec family members and lifespan is particularly strong by interaction through distinct sialylated structures in vivo, leading to improved regulation of inflammatory responses".

eLife

But it seems that no matter how many local assessors' offices distribute pamphlets trying to explain this very point, the prospect of a revaluation immediately sends property owners and the politicians who represent them into a frenzy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explain this point" to smoothly transition into a more detailed discussion or justification of a previously mentioned idea. This helps ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "to explain this point". Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explain this point" functions as an infinitive phrase, specifically used as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It introduces a clause or sentence that aims to clarify or provide reasons for a previously mentioned idea or statement, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to explain this point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase that serves to indicate an upcoming explanation or clarification. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in science, news, and formal business contexts, it smoothly transitions to a more detailed discussion. While effective, avoid overuse for a less repetitive writing style. Consider alternatives like "to clarify this aspect" or "to elaborate on this idea" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify this aspect

Replaces 'point' with 'aspect', focusing on a specific feature.

to elaborate on this idea

Substitutes 'explain' with 'elaborate' and 'point' with 'idea', suggesting a more detailed discussion.

to shed light on this matter

Uses a metaphor to indicate clarification, replacing 'explain' with 'shed light'.

to provide context for this issue

Focuses on providing background information, replacing 'explain' with 'provide context'.

to offer insight into this perspective

Highlights a deeper understanding, substituting 'explain' with 'offer insight' and 'point' with 'perspective'.

to give details about this item

Emphasizes providing specific information, replacing 'explain' with 'give details' and 'point' with 'item'.

to break down this concept

Suggests simplifying a complex idea, replacing 'explain' with 'break down' and 'point' with 'concept'.

to further define this element

Focuses on clarifying a specific part, replacing 'explain' with 'define' and 'point' with 'element'.

to put this in simpler terms

Indicates a simplification for better understanding, replacing the entire phrase with a more direct approach.

to expand on this notion

Similar to elaborate but uses the word 'notion' instead of 'point' or 'idea'.

FAQs

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

You can use "to explain this point" to introduce a clarification or justification of a previous statement. For instance, "The data shows a significant increase in user engagement; to explain this point, we need to consider the recent marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to using "to explain this point"?

Alternatives include "to clarify this aspect", "to elaborate on this idea", or "to shed light on this matter" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to explain this point"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It functions as an introductory phrase that sets the purpose of the sentence, which is to provide an explanation.

What is the difference between "to explain this point" and "to illustrate this point"?

"To explain this point" focuses on providing reasons or justifications, whereas "to illustrate this point" typically involves giving examples or visual aids to make the idea clearer.