was explained to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was explained to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that was explained or taught to somebody else. Example sentence: The plan for the reunion was explained to the group.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was explained to us.

The New Yorker

After the new arrangement was explained to him, he nodded.

The New Yorker

Or, if it was explained to him, Cruz ignored it.

The New Yorker

"Here's how it was explained to me," Mr. Rosenthal said.

The New York Times

The way they spoke about the Chinese imports, that's how it was explained to us".

The Guardian - Business

During the meeting it was explained to the player how the signal tapes would be used.

The New York Times

It was explained to her that her father had procured a pair of tickets.

The New York Times

He said: "The way it was explained to me helped me in my decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Even after it was explained to him, Williams still had no idea what his position was.

The Guardian

She saw Kate overwhelmed with grief for the first time and nothing was explained to her.

The New Yorker

The Jesse Crawford family was explained to him, and he went quietly back to sleep.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was explained to", ensure that the context clearly identifies who provided the explanation and what the explanation entailed for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "was explained to" as it can sometimes obscure the actor. Consider rewriting to use active voice for directness, such as "They explained the process to him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was explained to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received an explanation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is used to highlight the recipient of the explanation rather than the explainer. Similar examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

51%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was explained to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that highlights the recipient of an explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context clearly indicates both the explainer and the content of the explanation. While versatile, remember to avoid overuse of passive voice for more direct and engaging writing. Alternative phrases like "was clarified for" or "was made clear to" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was given an explanation of

Focuses directly on the act of providing an explanation.

was elucidated to

Emphasizes making something clear or easy to understand, often implying a more complex explanation.

was clarified for

Focuses on removing confusion and making something easier to grasp.

was made clear to

Highlights the act of ensuring someone understands something without necessarily providing extensive detail.

was taught about

Implies a learning process, where someone gains knowledge through instruction.

was instructed about

Implies a more formal teaching or guidance, often related to procedures or rules.

was informed of

Suggests providing factual information, often without the depth of an explanation.

was apprised of

Indicates a formal notification or informing someone about a situation or event.

had it conveyed to them

Emphasizes the act of communicating information, sometimes indirectly.

had it presented to them

Focuses on the manner information was provided, not necessarily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "was explained to" in a sentence?

Use "was explained to" when you want to emphasize that someone received an explanation about something. For example, "The new policy "was explained to" all employees during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "was explained to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was clarified for", "was made clear to", or "was instructed about".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "explain"?

While "was explained to" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "They explained...") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Choose the voice that best suits the emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "was explained to" and "was informed of"?

"Was explained to" implies a detailed account or clarification, while "was informed of" suggests a more general notification. For example, you might be "informed of" a new policy, but the details "was explained to" you during a training session.