explain
C1Neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
To make something clear, easy to understand, or comprehensible by describing it in detail.
To account for, justify, or give reasons for something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a process of providing a logical, step-by-step account or justification. Can also mean 'to be the cause or reason for something'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or core usage. Minor preferences in phrasing exist (e.g., 'explain something to someone' is universal, but slightly more common phrasal variations may differ by region).
Connotations
In both dialects, it can carry a slightly patronising or patient tone if misused ('Let me explain...').
Frequency
Extremely high-frequency in both varieties, with near-identical frequency ranking.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S-V-O: He explained the theory.S-V-O-O (to indirect): She explained the rules to the team.S-V-that clause: The manual explains that the button must be pressed twice.S-V-wh clause: Can you explain how this works?S-V-O-to-O: He explained the diagram to me.S-V: I don't understand; please explain.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Explain away (to dismiss with an explanation)”
- “Explain oneself (to justify one's actions or statements)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to clarify processes, strategies, or financial results to stakeholders. 'The CEO will explain the new quarterly targets.'
Academic
Used to detail theories, methodologies, or results. 'The paper explains the causal relationship between the two variables.'
Everyday
Used for giving directions, reasons, or instructions. 'Could you explain how to get to the station?'
Technical
Used to describe the functioning of systems or software. 'The engineer explained the fault in the circuit board.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lecturer will explain the nuances of the treaty.
- He tried to explain why he was late.
- Could you explain the route again, please?
American English
- The manual explains how to assemble the furniture.
- She explained the new policy to the staff.
- Let me explain my position on this issue.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverb form. 'Explanatorily' is very rare.) He spoke explanatorily, pointing at the chart.
American English
- (No common adverb form. 'Explanatorily' is very rare.) The document was written explanatorily for beginners.
adjective
British English
- (No common adjective form. 'Explanatory' is used.) The leaflet was purely explanatory.
American English
- (No common adjective form. 'Explanatory' is used.) He gave an explanatory note with the diagram.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will explain the homework.
- Please explain this word.
- He explained the game to the children.
- Can someone explain how this machine works?
- She explained that the train was cancelled.
- The guide explained the history of the castle.
- The report seeks to explain the recent decline in sales.
- His argument fails to explain the underlying causes.
- I need you to explain your reasoning in more detail.
- The theory elegantly explains the phenomenon observed in the data.
- She expertly explained away the apparent contradictions in her statement.
- He was asked to explain himself before the committee.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EX-PLAN' - You take out (EX) a PLAN to make something clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING (e.g., 'I see what you mean' after an explanation). Explanation is providing a map (a 'plan') to navigate understanding.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'explain about'. In English, it's usually 'explain something', not 'explain about something'. (Incorrect: 'He explained about the plan.')
- Do not confuse with 'describe' ('описать'). 'Explain' focuses on reasons and understanding; 'describe' focuses on details and appearance.
- The verb 'to explain' requires 'to' before the person receiving the explanation: 'explain something TO someone'. This preposition is often missed.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'Can you explain me the problem?' Correct: 'Can you explain the problem to me?'
- Incorrect: 'She explained about her absence.' Correct: 'She explained her absence.'
- Incorrect: 'I will explain you.' (unless meaning 'I will explain your own actions to you') Correct: 'I will explain it to you.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'explain' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally incorrect. The standard pattern is 'explain something TO someone'. 'Explain me' would mean you are explaining *me* as a person, which is rare.
'Explain' focuses on making something understandable by giving reasons or clarifying how/why. 'Describe' focuses on giving a detailed account of what something is like, its features, or its appearance.
Yes. Example: 'He explained that the system was offline.' This is a common and correct structure.
The primary noun is 'explanation'. Other related nouns are 'explication' (more formal) and the gerund 'explaining'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Education
A2 · 50 words · School, studying and learning vocabulary.