we explained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we explained that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a previous explanation or clarification provided to someone about a specific topic or issue. Example: "During the meeting, we explained that the new policy would take effect next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We explained that long before the Coen brothers made their quirky film, Fargo was a mythical destination shrouded in romance.

The New York Times

Fox News added in a statement: "We explained that was not possible and we could not engage in a quid pro quo".

The Guardian

"We explained that was not possible and we could not engage in a quid pro quo, nor could any money change hands for any reason".

The New Yorker

As we explained, that was dumb.

Huffington Post

"We explained that it was just for four days".

The New York Times - Food

We explained that neither accusation nor arrest assured guilt.

The New York Times

We explained that going to a hospital was not a matter of choice at this point.

The Guardian - Opinion

We explained that words had been exchanged but that was it.

The Guardian

We explained that, as kind as her offer was, we really weren't looking for handouts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We explained that this magazine receives about a thousand unsolicited manuscripts a week….

The New Yorker

"We explained that the building is a sprinkler system," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we explained that", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to, especially in formal writing. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity for the reader.

Common error

While "we explained that" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "we clarified" or "we detailed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we explained that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing an explanation or clarification provided by the speaker(s). This construction is used to convey information and provide context, as demonstrated by numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we explained that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for reporting explanations or clarifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. While suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles, remember to ensure clarity regarding who "we" refers to and avoid overuse for stylistic purposes. Consider using alternative phrases like "we clarified that" or "we stated that" to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "we explained that" in your writing while maintaining clarity and stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we clarified that

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", emphasizing the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

we stated that

Uses "stated" instead of "explained", suggesting a more formal or direct declaration.

we indicated that

Replaces "explained" with "indicated", implying a more subtle or indirect communication.

we pointed out that

Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to a specific fact or detail.

we specified that

Uses "specified" to highlight the act of providing precise details or conditions.

we detailed that

Replaces "explained" with "detailed", suggesting a comprehensive and thorough account.

we communicated that

Focuses on the act of conveying information, rather than the nature of the information itself.

we informed them that

Highlights the act of providing information to someone.

our explanation was that

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the explanation itself.

in our explanation, we said that

Adds more context to the act of explaining.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we explained that" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "we clarified that", "we stated that", or "we indicated that" depending on the context.

Is "we explained that" formal or informal?

The phrase "we explained that" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider using synonyms like "we specified that" or "we detailed that" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "we explained that" and "we stated that"?

"We explained that" implies providing a detailed account to make something understandable, while "we stated that" suggests a more direct and formal declaration without necessarily elaborating.

When is it appropriate to use "we explained that" in writing?

Use "we explained that" when you want to convey that you provided a detailed account or clarification to make something understandable to someone. It is appropriate in reports, articles, and general communication where providing an explanation is necessary.