walk them through

USAGE SUMMARY

'walk them through' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to guide or explain something to someone step by step, often in a patient and thorough manner. Example: "I will walk you through the process of setting up your new computer so that you understand how to use it properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each time, he would walk them through his points.

The New York Times

"They walk them through everything and really make sure they have a good time.

The New York Times

"I want to be able to personally walk them through the collection".

The New York Times

Like Stendhal, doctors also need a skilled docent to help walk them through all that curated data.

The New York Times

Even large firms with employees with titles like "environmental strategist" hire consultants to walk them through the process.

The New York Times

"A new person would come, and I'd have to walk them through everything all over again," Ms. Potter said.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Members of the Administration's negotiating team, together with State Department officials, walked them through the issues.

The New Yorker

"They did a lot of sketching, and we walked them through design thinking goals," says O'Rourke.

The Guardian - Tech

They returned on their own another time, and on the third visit Baehrel walked them through his process.

The New Yorker

The moderator, the Republican pollster Frank Luntz, walked them through a variety of campaign issues but also urged them to offer personal revelations or vulnerabilities.

The New York Times

So there was a session with the historian Michael Beschloss at a White House staff retreat at Fort McNair last spring, where he walked them through various elections of the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visual aids or demonstrations to supplement your verbal explanation when you "walk them through" something, especially if it involves a process.

Common error

Avoid jargon or technical terms when you "walk them through" something, unless you're certain the audience is familiar with them. Simplify the language to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "walk them through" functions as a directive verb, indicating the action of guiding someone step-by-step through a process or explanation. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "walk them through" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that means to guide someone step-by-step through a process or explanation. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is frequently used in news and media, wiki, and scientific contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it is important to avoid jargon and simplify language for clarity, as overcomplicating explanations is a common pitfall. Alternatives like "guide them through" or "lead them through" can be used to subtly alter the emphasis. This phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide them through

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

lead them through

Similar to "guide", but suggests a more proactive role in directing someone.

take them through

More informal, suggesting a casual explanation or demonstration.

explain it to them step by step

More explicit and detailed, focusing on the incremental nature of the explanation.

demonstrate the process

Focuses on showing how something is done, rather than just explaining it.

instruct them carefully

Highlights the instructional aspect, implying a formal teaching approach.

show them the ropes

Idiomatic, referring to teaching someone the basics of a job or task.

orient them

Focuses on providing initial information and direction.

familiarize them with

Emphasizes making someone acquainted with something new.

tutor them

Suggests a more in-depth and personalized teaching experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "walk them through" to describe explaining a process or set of instructions step-by-step. For example, "I will "guide them through" the application process".

What are some alternatives to "walk them through"?

Alternatives include "guide them through", "lead them through", or "take them through", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "walk someone through something"?

Yes, it is correct. "Walk someone through something" is a common and accepted phrasal verb that means to explain something step by step.

What is the difference between "walk them through" and "show them the ropes"?

"Walk them through" implies a detailed, step-by-step explanation, while "show them the ropes" is an idiom that means to teach someone the basics of a job or task.