writing to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "writing to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that the purpose of your writing is to clarify or provide information about a specific topic. Example: "In this article, I am writing to explain the benefits of regular exercise and how it can improve overall health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I am writing to explain an important step that MIT has decided to take relating to the Aaron Swartz situation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The research paper they submitted for the school expo was 30 pages of code and 60 pages of writing to explain it.

The New York Times - Magazine

In February's libel opinion, for instance, he said he was writing "to explain why, in an appropriate case, we should reconsider" the Sullivan case and decisions that have built on it.

The New York Times

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,... I'm writing to explain the life of a "new virgin" to those that may have lost their virginity, and to tell them how they can become a "new virgin"...

The New York Times

Soon afterwards I invited him to come as my guest to a dinner of the Essay Club in London, writing to explain that he did not need to write an essay, or – worse – listen to one being read, but that the name of the Club was a pun upon the Society of Antiquaries, the members being chosen from among the Fellows of that Society.

Independent

As general secretaries of unions that have nominated Jeremy Corbyn to remain as leader of the Labour party, we are writing to explain why the millions of members in our unions and the millions of workers beyond should vote for Jeremy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"You are so lively when playing at recess," the classmate had written to explain his choice.

The New York Times

Several readers wrote to explain why they did not own (or recommend) annuities.

The New York Times

He did not write to explain his view of the case.

The Washington Post

Tito reaches for a yellow pad and writes to explain his behavior: "I am calming myself.

The New York Times - Science

A week later, Brooks was in Cairo, covering the revolution, and she wrote to explain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "writing to explain", prioritize clarity and conciseness. Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure your message is easily understood by your intended audience.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming your reader with excessive detail or complex sentence structures when "writing to explain". Focus on presenting the core information in a digestible format, using visuals or examples where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "writing to explain" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the intention behind the act of writing. The examples show it's used to introduce the reason for writing, such as clarifying a decision or describing a process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "writing to explain" serves as a clear indicator of purpose, signaling an intention to clarify and inform. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media. While related phrases like "writing to clarify" or "writing to elucidate" offer nuanced alternatives, the core function remains consistent: to make something understandable. Remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your explanations, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complexity. By focusing on your audience and structuring your content logically, you can effectively use "writing to explain" to achieve your communication goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

writing to clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

writing to elucidate

Emphasizes making something clear and comprehensible, often implying a complex topic.

writing to demonstrate

Highlights the act of showing or proving something through writing.

writing to illustrate

Focuses on providing examples or instances to clarify a point.

writing to expound

Suggests a detailed and thorough explanation.

writing to define

Centers on providing a precise meaning or description.

writing to delineate

Highlights the act of outlining or describing something precisely.

penning to explain

Uses "penning" as a more formal or literary alternative to "writing".

composing to explain

Uses "composing" to suggest careful and deliberate writing.

crafting to explain

Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in writing for explanation.

FAQs

How can I improve my "writing to explain" skills?

Focus on understanding your audience, structuring your content logically, and using clear, concise language. Practice explaining complex topics in simple terms, and seek feedback on your clarity and effectiveness.

What are some alternatives to "writing to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "writing to clarify", "writing to elucidate", or "writing to demonstrate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "writing to explain" formal or informal?

The phrase "writing to explain" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality will depend more on the specific vocabulary and tone used in the overall writing.

What's the difference between "writing to explain" and "writing to persuade"?

"Writing to explain" focuses on providing information and clarifying a topic, while "writing to persuade" aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. The former prioritizes objectivity, while the latter often involves subjective arguments and appeals.