to give an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to give an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide details about a particular topic or situation. Example: "The teacher took a moment to give an explanation of the complex theory to ensure all students understood it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RBS refused to give an explanation.

The Guardian - Business

"He didn't have to give an explanation.

The New York Times

It is difficult for me to give an explanation.

Independent

I should like to give an explanation to this negative answer.

Yale University

I should like to be permitted to give an explanation of this.

Yale University

DR. SERVATIUS: Mr. President, may I be permitted to give an explanation of this matter?

Yale University

And feel free to give an explanation of whatever you think noir fiction may be.

The Guardian - Books

"It's difficult to give an explanation because the perspective is different," Goto says.

The Guardian - Tech

"I don't know that everyone holds—I have to give an explanation," Stumpf said.

The New Yorker

"People at Lee Der were never fully able to give an explanation," she said.

The New York Times

Being asked to give an explanation for why your blood has done something is just impossible.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to give an explanation", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be explained. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or situation that requires clarification.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "to give an explanation" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to provide a clarification" or "to elucidate the reasons" for a more polished and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give an explanation" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a noun or adjective within a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct phrase for providing details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to give an explanation" is a grammatically sound and very common infinitive phrase used to introduce a clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news, science, and academic writing. For stylistic variation, consider alternatives like "to provide a clarification" or "to elucidate the reasons". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what you are explaining to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to provide a clarification

Replaces "explanation" with "clarification", emphasizing the act of making something clearer.

to offer an explanation

Substitutes "give" with "offer", suggesting a more proactive approach in presenting the explanation.

to present a rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale", indicating a more formal and reasoned justification.

to clarify the matter

Uses "clarify" in place of "give an explanation", highlighting the act of making something easier to understand.

to elucidate the reasons

Uses "elucidate" to replace "give an explanation", providing a more sophisticated and detailed clarification.

to justify the action

Focuses on justifying an action, implying that the explanation serves to defend or validate a particular decision or behavior.

to account for the situation

Replaces "give an explanation" with "account for", emphasizing the need to provide a comprehensive overview of the circumstances.

to detail the background

Emphasizes providing a detailed background or context as an explanation.

to expand on the subject

Suggests providing more information to clarify the topic, rather than a direct explanation.

to offer insights into

Replaces a direct explanation with providing deeper insights, which may indirectly explain something.

FAQs

How can I use "to give an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "to give an explanation" when you need to clarify something or provide reasons for an action. For example, "The teacher paused "to give an explanation" of the complex equation."

What's a more formal alternative to "to give an explanation"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to provide a clarification" or "to elucidate the reasons" instead of "to give an explanation."

Is it better to say "give an explanation" or "provide an explanation"?

Both "give an explanation" and "provide an explanation" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "To provide an explanation" might sound slightly more formal.

When should I use "to give an explanation" instead of just stating the explanation?

Use "to give an explanation" when you want to emphasize the act of explaining itself. It's useful when introducing a reason or clarification, rather than simply presenting it. For example, "He called a meeting "to give an explanation" for the project delays."