The verb “Explain”

🔁 How to use Explain

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use the verb explain correctly and naturally in English. We’ll look at common grammar patterns, typical mistakes learners make, and useful examples. By the end, you’ll be able to explain ideas, reasons, and processes clearly in both spoken and written English.

🎯 Level: Advanced
⏱ Time: 5+ minutes
📘 Categories: Grammar, Vocabulary, Common Mistakes
 

📚 Core Meaning

Explain means to make something clear by giving details, reasons, or examples.

Structure:
explain + something + (to someone)

  • She explained the problem.
  • She explained the problem to the students.
  • The teacher explained how the system works.

Important:
❌ Explain me the problem
✔️ Explain the problem to me

📌 Common Grammar Patterns

A. Explain + noun

Used when the thing being clarified is a noun phrase.

Examples:

  • The professor explained the theory.
  • Can you explain the rules?

B. Explain + noun + to + person

When specifying the listener.

Examples:

  • She explained the instructions to the class.
  • I explained the situation to my boss.

C. Explain + wh-clause

Very common in academic or professional English.

Examples:

  • He explained why the data was incorrect.
  • She explained how the system works.
  • The article explains what caused the problem.

D. Explain + that-clause

Often used in formal or academic contexts.

Examples:

  • The report explains that the failure was caused by overheating.
  • The teacher explained that the exam would be difficult.

E. Explain + reflexive pronoun (advanced usage)

Explain yourself means justify your behavior.

Examples:

  • The manager asked him to explain himself.
  • You need to explain yourself after what happened.

This often implies criticism or suspicion.

 

3. Difference Between “Explain”, “Tell”, and “Describe”

Verb Focus Example
explain clarify reasons or process She explained how the engine works.
tell give information She told me the answer.
describe give details about appearance or characteristics She described the building.

Collocations with “Explain”

Advanced learners should know common combinations.

  • Explain clearly
  • Explain briefly
  • lExplain in detail
  • Explain the reason
  • Explain the difference

Examples:

  • The instructor explained the concept in detail.
  • Let me explain the difference between the two systems.

Passive Voice

Very common in academic writing.

Examples:

  • The process is explained in Chapter 3.
  • The results can be explained by changes in temperature.

Phrasal / Idiomatic Uses

Explain away

Examples:

  • The company tried to explain away the mistake.

Typical Learner Errors

❌ Explain me the answer
✔️ Explain the answer to me

❌ He explained me why
✔️ He explained why

❌ She explained about the problem
✔️ She explained the problem

Check your understanding

Score 70% or better and receive a FREE Certificate of Achievement.

Quiz
 

 

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Más información

Horario de atención: Lunes a viernes, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Verb “EXPLAIN” © 2026 by Joe Ehman is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International