walk him through

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk him through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to explain something to someone, usually a process or procedure, in a step-by-step or systematic way. For example: "Can you walk me through how you completed this task?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It was different having to walk him through the ropes," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He fought with officers as they prepared to walk him through a gate into Mexico.

The New York Times

When the managing director asked Mr. Wood to walk him through the calculations, "I just broke it down for him," Mr. Wood said.

The New York Times

In one early meeting, the official answering our questions knew so little about l'affaire Snowden that he asked us to walk him through it.

The New York Times

His mode, a traditional one, is to assemble his narrative alongside the point of view of one of his characters and walk him through his crucial hours.

The New York Times - Books

The Boise State assistant Brent Pease called Harsin and was able to walk him through his day, right down to a bathroom trip when he got off the private jet.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A BizTree document even recently walked him through the process of changing his firm's name.

The New York Times

So I walked him through a simple, well-diversified, low-cost portfolio.

The New York Times

So they walked him through it, framed more as a lesson than an inquisition.

The Washington Post

In a series of conference calls, Mr. Gore's confidants walked him through his options.

The New York Times

She took this reporter's hand and walked him through her ground-floor apartment to her back deck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "walk him through", ensure the context clearly indicates a step-by-step explanation or demonstration, not literal physical movement.

Common error

Avoid using "walk him through" when a simple explanation suffices. This phrase implies a detailed, step-by-step process, not just a brief overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "walk him through" functions as a directive, indicating the act of guiding someone sequentially through a process or set of instructions. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "walk him through" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of guiding someone step-by-step through a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives like "guide him through" or "explain it to him step by step" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and detail. Remember to use "walk him through" when a detailed explanation is required, and to avoid misinterpreting its depth. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both professional and informal settings. The analysis highlights its purpose in instructing, explaining, and ensuring comprehension through sequential guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide him through

Replaces "walk" with "guide", emphasizing direction and assistance.

explain it to him step by step

Breaks down the action into explicit sequential instruction.

take him through the process

Highlights the methodical nature of the guidance.

show him the ropes

An idiomatic expression meaning to introduce someone to a new job or task.

tutor him in

Implies a more formal teaching arrangement.

instruct him thoroughly

Focuses on the detail and completeness of the explanation.

lead him by the hand

A more figurative way of expressing guidance.

give him a rundown

Suggests a quick summary or overview.

present a tutorial to him

Implies a prepared and structured explanation.

clarify it for him

Focuses on removing confusion and making something understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "walk him through" in a sentence?

You can use "walk him through" to describe guiding someone step-by-step. For example, "The engineer will walk him through the process of setting up the new system."

What can I say instead of "walk him through"?

You can use alternatives like "guide him through", "explain it to him step by step", or "take him through the process" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "walk him through" or "walk through him"?

"Walk him through" is correct when you mean to guide someone step-by-step. "Walk through him" would imply physically walking through someone, which is rarely the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "walk him through" and "show him the ropes"?

"Walk him through" implies a detailed, step-by-step explanation, while "show him the ropes" is an idiom for introducing someone to a new job or task, often focusing on practical aspects.